The first half of the group stage is almost over and only the fittest squads will make it to the Round of Sixteen.
Eight important games take place this week for the future of the Libertadores fight. Peñarol vs Liga and Sudamericana's reigning champion Independiente vs Godoy Cruz are two of the hottest clashes for this week.
Universidad San Martin wants to keep a perfect record in the American tournament in Paraguay against runner-up Libertad, who can claim the top of the group upon a victory.
Estudiantes vs Guarani, Jaguares vs Emelec, and Union Española vs Velez complete the schedule for this week.
Follow all Libertadores action in LiveSoccerTV.com
Anibal Ruiz's Universitarios visit Paraguay to lock horns with Libertad, eager to maintain the leadership and claim a decisive six-pointer. A victory is mandatory for the Paraguayan squad, as they can claim the top position upon a positive result this Tuesday at the Dr. Nicolas Leoz.
Libertad's sound victory 4-1 over Rubio Ñu for the Paraguayan league demonstrated Gregorio Perez's Repollos are in perfect form, and they dream with celebrating a victory in their first performance in the American tournament at home.
Gumarelo's captain Pedro Sarabia and Rodrigo Rojas might be able to return to the starting squad, providing a major boost to the attack. "Our rival deserves our respect, they are excellent players. We have to do our business and demonstrate what we're capable of" said San Martin's coach Anibal Ruiz earlier this week.
Germán Alemanno and Hébert Arriola will be leading the Peruvian attack, while Argentinean striker Diego Nadaya showed he's ready to join the attack with great prowess if needed. Will this be enough to bag the full scoring in Libertad?
Jose Guadalupe Cruz's Jaguares could not maintain the top of the sixth group as they visited Porto Alegre two weeks ago and were left at the third position with three points after two games. A victory is mandatory for the Mexican squad to remain competitive in the Libertadores fight after falling 4-0 against Internacional back in February.
Jackson Martínez and Jorge Rodríguez are ruled out from the game, the first injured and the latter banned from performing. Emelec's defender Edison Mendez, who played back in 2004 for Santos Laguna in Mexico, will play a major role in the Ecuadorian scheme due to Eduardo Morante's and Marcelo Fleitas's injuries.
Omar Asad wants to secure a good control of the ball in Mexico, and it's possible he uses a 3-5-2 formation to overwhelm from the wings. Leandro Torres and striker Eial Strahman are ready to join the starting eleven once again, will they give Emelec what's needed to claim the full scoring at the Victor Manuel Reyna?
Peñarol receives Liga on Wednesday night, in great need of a victory to secure their permanence in the Libertadores. "The fight is restless. I'm positive that claiming the nine points at home is essential to secure the qualification" said Aurinegros' coach Diego Aguirre prior to this game.
Reigning Ecuadorian Champion prepares for a test of fire at the Estadio Centenario. "Peñarol is a dangerous team. They played an excellent game against Godoy Cruz in Mendoza two weeks ago" said Liga's coach Edgardo Bauza.
Team's coach will have to do without Norberto Araujo, who struggles with injuries, but recovers Fernando Hidalgo. Giovanni Caicedo will be joining Jorge Guagua in the back line. Ezequiel González and Hernán Barcos will be leading the attack.
The winner claims to the top of the group, as they wait for Independiente and Godoy Cruz to take on each other on Thursday's night. Who'll succeed?
Ariel Cuffaro Russo's Oriente Petrolero wants to abandon the bottom position of the second group as Junior Barranquilla visits Bolivia. The Colombians are occupying the first position of the group and will be a tough rival for the Bolivian squad..
Héctor Quintabani's Junior received a bucket of cold water as they visited Medellin last weekend, falling 4-1 against Atletico for the Colombian League. It's expected Quintibani repeats the same formation that defeated Gremio last week, with Giovanny Hernández, Luis Páez and Carlos Bacca as the main attackers.
Cuffaro Russo recovers defender Alejandro Schiaparelli, who was sidelined due to injuries since the first game in the Libertadores against Gremio in Porto Alegre. An early goal can give the visitors a decisive advantage and secure the top of the group for another week. Will they succeed?
Eduardo Berizzo's Estudiantes faces basement boys' Guarani for the seventh group in the Libertadores. A defeat can be Guarani's death sentence, as the hosts have not yet been able to obtain a single point in the tournament.
Last week's victory at the derby against Gimnasia La Plata provided a major boost to the morale of the Argentinean squad. Estudiantes won't have an easy time in Paraguay nevertheless, as Berizzo will be missing Juan Sebastian Veron, Gaston Fernandez and German Re, three essential players for his scheme.
Leandro Gonzalez will have to grow as the main driver in the team, associating with Hernan Rodrigo Lopez in the last meters of the field.
Guarani's coach Felix Dario Leon is aware an offensive scheme is necessary to asphyxiate Estudiantes' midfielders and bag the three points. The Paraguayan squad fell 4-3 last week against Olimpia for their domestic league and want to find redemption as Berizzo's boys visit Paraguay.
Watch out for Angel Ortiz, Guarani's creative leader who missed the last game as Leon did not want to risk him in the Paraguayan League. Who'll claim the three points?
Jose Luis Sierra chances his arm with Union Española as Velez Sarsfield visits the Santa Laura stadium on Thursday's night.
"We won't be making major modifications in our squad, perhaps a few rotations but that's all" said Velez's coach Ricardo Gareca earlier this week.
Sent off against Universidad Catolica two weeks ago, Fernando Ortiz will be making way for Fernando Tobio, who returns to the starting squad to strengthen the back line.
Augusto Fernandez will replace David Ramirez in the midfield, while Juan Manuel Martinez will take over Ivan Bella's place.
The hosts will have to be extremely careful not to be left empty-handed by Gareca's offensive Fortin, will they manage to stop the Argentinean squad from claiming the three points?
Cerro Porteño has grown into one of the top candidates for this year's Libertadores fight. Roberto Nanni and Juan Manuel Iturbe are a fearsome and prolific duo for every rival.
Deportivo Tachira visits Paraguay to leave the bottom of the group and celebrate their first American victory.
With only one point after two games in the Libertadores and four defeats in eight Liga Portobon games, Jorge Luis Pinto's Deportivo Tachira want to heal their wounds with Paraguayan blood this week at the General Pablo Rojas.
Aurinegros' coach misses Yonathan Del Valle and Mauricio Parra for this clash.
Cerro Porteño's coach looks forward to give the crowds a sound victory at home to take a decisive step towards qualification, will they take it?
Godoy Cruz travels to Avellaneda to fight for the top of the group with Antonio Mohammed's Independiente.
Jorge Da Silva's Tombas want to celebrate their first victory away, as they failed to obtain the three points as they visited Uruguay two weeks ago. Independiente suffered its visit to Quito too, falling 3-0 against Liga.
Godoy Cruz's coach recovers Nicolas Olmedo, Leonardo Sigali, Roberto Russo, Zelmar Garcia, Ariel Rojas and Fabricio Núñez, and their presence will strengthen all lines against the reigning Sudamericana champion.
Rojos' coach has decided to prioritize the Libertadores, but it haven't worked out as first expected: In 25 games, Mohammed has only been able to obtain 27 points, and the relegation fight is getting closer as he neglects the Clausura fight.
Godoy Cruz wants to advance to the round of sixteen in their first presentation in the Libertadores, while Independiente dreams with lifting its eighth Libertadores title. Who'll occupy the first position of the group by Friday?
Universidad San Martin wants to keep a perfect record in the American tournament in Paraguay against runner-up Libertad, who can claim the top of the group upon a victory.
Estudiantes vs Guarani, Jaguares vs Emelec, and Union Española vs Velez complete the schedule for this week.
Follow all Libertadores action in LiveSoccerTV.com
Anibal Ruiz's Universitarios visit Paraguay to lock horns with Libertad, eager to maintain the leadership and claim a decisive six-pointer. A victory is mandatory for the Paraguayan squad, as they can claim the top position upon a positive result this Tuesday at the Dr. Nicolas Leoz.
Libertad's sound victory 4-1 over Rubio Ñu for the Paraguayan league demonstrated Gregorio Perez's Repollos are in perfect form, and they dream with celebrating a victory in their first performance in the American tournament at home.
Gumarelo's captain Pedro Sarabia and Rodrigo Rojas might be able to return to the starting squad, providing a major boost to the attack. "Our rival deserves our respect, they are excellent players. We have to do our business and demonstrate what we're capable of" said San Martin's coach Anibal Ruiz earlier this week.
Germán Alemanno and Hébert Arriola will be leading the Peruvian attack, while Argentinean striker Diego Nadaya showed he's ready to join the attack with great prowess if needed. Will this be enough to bag the full scoring in Libertad?
Jose Guadalupe Cruz's Jaguares could not maintain the top of the sixth group as they visited Porto Alegre two weeks ago and were left at the third position with three points after two games. A victory is mandatory for the Mexican squad to remain competitive in the Libertadores fight after falling 4-0 against Internacional back in February.
Jackson Martínez and Jorge Rodríguez are ruled out from the game, the first injured and the latter banned from performing. Emelec's defender Edison Mendez, who played back in 2004 for Santos Laguna in Mexico, will play a major role in the Ecuadorian scheme due to Eduardo Morante's and Marcelo Fleitas's injuries.
Omar Asad wants to secure a good control of the ball in Mexico, and it's possible he uses a 3-5-2 formation to overwhelm from the wings. Leandro Torres and striker Eial Strahman are ready to join the starting eleven once again, will they give Emelec what's needed to claim the full scoring at the Victor Manuel Reyna?
Peñarol receives Liga on Wednesday night, in great need of a victory to secure their permanence in the Libertadores. "The fight is restless. I'm positive that claiming the nine points at home is essential to secure the qualification" said Aurinegros' coach Diego Aguirre prior to this game.
Reigning Ecuadorian Champion prepares for a test of fire at the Estadio Centenario. "Peñarol is a dangerous team. They played an excellent game against Godoy Cruz in Mendoza two weeks ago" said Liga's coach Edgardo Bauza.
Team's coach will have to do without Norberto Araujo, who struggles with injuries, but recovers Fernando Hidalgo. Giovanni Caicedo will be joining Jorge Guagua in the back line. Ezequiel González and Hernán Barcos will be leading the attack.
The winner claims to the top of the group, as they wait for Independiente and Godoy Cruz to take on each other on Thursday's night. Who'll succeed?
Ariel Cuffaro Russo's Oriente Petrolero wants to abandon the bottom position of the second group as Junior Barranquilla visits Bolivia. The Colombians are occupying the first position of the group and will be a tough rival for the Bolivian squad..
Héctor Quintabani's Junior received a bucket of cold water as they visited Medellin last weekend, falling 4-1 against Atletico for the Colombian League. It's expected Quintibani repeats the same formation that defeated Gremio last week, with Giovanny Hernández, Luis Páez and Carlos Bacca as the main attackers.
Cuffaro Russo recovers defender Alejandro Schiaparelli, who was sidelined due to injuries since the first game in the Libertadores against Gremio in Porto Alegre. An early goal can give the visitors a decisive advantage and secure the top of the group for another week. Will they succeed?
Eduardo Berizzo's Estudiantes faces basement boys' Guarani for the seventh group in the Libertadores. A defeat can be Guarani's death sentence, as the hosts have not yet been able to obtain a single point in the tournament.
Last week's victory at the derby against Gimnasia La Plata provided a major boost to the morale of the Argentinean squad. Estudiantes won't have an easy time in Paraguay nevertheless, as Berizzo will be missing Juan Sebastian Veron, Gaston Fernandez and German Re, three essential players for his scheme.
Leandro Gonzalez will have to grow as the main driver in the team, associating with Hernan Rodrigo Lopez in the last meters of the field.
Guarani's coach Felix Dario Leon is aware an offensive scheme is necessary to asphyxiate Estudiantes' midfielders and bag the three points. The Paraguayan squad fell 4-3 last week against Olimpia for their domestic league and want to find redemption as Berizzo's boys visit Paraguay.
Watch out for Angel Ortiz, Guarani's creative leader who missed the last game as Leon did not want to risk him in the Paraguayan League. Who'll claim the three points?
Jose Luis Sierra chances his arm with Union Española as Velez Sarsfield visits the Santa Laura stadium on Thursday's night.
"We won't be making major modifications in our squad, perhaps a few rotations but that's all" said Velez's coach Ricardo Gareca earlier this week.
Sent off against Universidad Catolica two weeks ago, Fernando Ortiz will be making way for Fernando Tobio, who returns to the starting squad to strengthen the back line.
Augusto Fernandez will replace David Ramirez in the midfield, while Juan Manuel Martinez will take over Ivan Bella's place.
The hosts will have to be extremely careful not to be left empty-handed by Gareca's offensive Fortin, will they manage to stop the Argentinean squad from claiming the three points?
Cerro Porteño has grown into one of the top candidates for this year's Libertadores fight. Roberto Nanni and Juan Manuel Iturbe are a fearsome and prolific duo for every rival.
Deportivo Tachira visits Paraguay to leave the bottom of the group and celebrate their first American victory.
With only one point after two games in the Libertadores and four defeats in eight Liga Portobon games, Jorge Luis Pinto's Deportivo Tachira want to heal their wounds with Paraguayan blood this week at the General Pablo Rojas.
Aurinegros' coach misses Yonathan Del Valle and Mauricio Parra for this clash.
Cerro Porteño's coach looks forward to give the crowds a sound victory at home to take a decisive step towards qualification, will they take it?
Godoy Cruz travels to Avellaneda to fight for the top of the group with Antonio Mohammed's Independiente.
Jorge Da Silva's Tombas want to celebrate their first victory away, as they failed to obtain the three points as they visited Uruguay two weeks ago. Independiente suffered its visit to Quito too, falling 3-0 against Liga.
Godoy Cruz's coach recovers Nicolas Olmedo, Leonardo Sigali, Roberto Russo, Zelmar Garcia, Ariel Rojas and Fabricio Núñez, and their presence will strengthen all lines against the reigning Sudamericana champion.
Rojos' coach has decided to prioritize the Libertadores, but it haven't worked out as first expected: In 25 games, Mohammed has only been able to obtain 27 points, and the relegation fight is getting closer as he neglects the Clausura fight.
Godoy Cruz wants to advance to the round of sixteen in their first presentation in the Libertadores, while Independiente dreams with lifting its eighth Libertadores title. Who'll occupy the first position of the group by Friday?
