Copa Libertadores Round of 16: Can Fluminense Overcome Gremio's Momentum?
Sports Mole provides predictions and previews for all of Tuesday's Copa Libertadores fixtures, including the crucial tie between Fluminense and Gremio.
Fluminense vs. Gremio: A Battle of Champions
The Maracana will witness a tense encounter as Fluminense, the reigning Copa Libertadores champions, face a formidable Gremio side seeking to eliminate them from the tournament.
Gremio, riding high on a wave of confidence, emerged victorious in the first leg, securing a 2-1 win in Porto Alegre thanks to two second-half strikes. This victory extended their winning streak against Fluminense to eight games, all decided by a single goal. This psychological advantage could prove crucial for Gremio on Tuesday.
The Verdict: A Tight Contest with Gremio Favoured
While Fluminense will undoubtedly be eager to defend their title, Gremio's recent dominance suggests they possess the momentum and confidence to prevail. We anticipate a closely fought match, with Fluminense perhaps securing a narrow victory, but ultimately, Gremio are tipped to advance on penalties.
Atletico Mineiro Aiming to Seal San Lorenzo's Fate
With a place in the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals on the line, Atletico Mineiro host San Lorenzo at the Arena MRV for the second leg of their last-16 tie.
The first leg saw Mineiro claw back from a goal down to secure a 1-1 draw, extending their unbeaten run on the road to two games across all competitions.
Prediction: Atletico Mineiro to Progress
Despite the first leg's close encounter, we expect another tight affair, but ultimately, we anticipate Atletico Mineiro's greater quality to prevail. We predict a 1-0 victory for Mineiro, securing a 2-1 aggregate victory and a spot in the quarter-finals.
Atletico Junior Face an Uphill Battle Against Colo-Colo
Atletico Junior, needing a win to keep their Libertadores hopes alive, host Colo-Colo at the Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Melendez in the second leg of their round of 16 tie.
Colo-Colo, however, hold a commanding position after their 1-0 victory in the first leg, putting them on the brink of reaching the quarter-finals for the first time since 2018.
The Outlook: A Difficult Task for Atletico Junior
While Atletico Junior will be desperate to overturn the deficit, Colo-Colo's disciplined defence and tactical approach make this a daunting task. We foresee a closely contested match, with Atletico Junior potentially securing a draw, but Colo-Colo's lead should be enough to see them advance to the next stage.
