Colon vs Peñarol
Colon will make their third appearance in the Copa Libertadores (first one since 2010) thanks to their title in the Copa Liga Profesional in May 2021. The team are now deflating their performance: last Thursday, they lost 3-1 to Aldosivi at home, which means El Sabalero are on four matches without a win (two draws and two defeats). That loss stopped a four-match unbeaten streak of three wins and one draw as hosts and displaced them from the qualifying spots in group B as Julio Falcioni’s men accumulated 12 points in eight games so far.
Absent in 2021, Penarol return to the Copa Libertadores as Uruguayan champions, seeking for their sixth title. However, the team have been producing an irregular campaign this season. Last Friday, they drew 0-0 to Rentistas away at Estadio Parque Artigas, which means El Carbonero accumulated nine points in seven games so far, trailing Torneo Apertura leaders Deportivo Maldonado by seven. However, Penarol are on five matches unbeaten (two wins and three draws) and grabbed five points from the last nine on offer on away turf.
Colon rested some players last weekend because Copa Libertadores is their main tournament this season, and I expect them to start with a win against this irregular Peñarol.