America Mineiro (Brazil) vs Fortaleza (Brazil)
America Mineiro continue to make history in their first Copa Sudamericana appearance. With Gonzalo Mastriani netting the equaliser in stoppage time to make it 3-3 away at Red Bull Bragantino, the side won on penalties to reach the quarter-finals. On Saturday, O Coelho lost 3-1 away at Fluminense, which means they remain bottom in the Brasileirao table with only ten points, trailing the first safe spot by 11. America are on seven winless matches in all competition, drawing three and losing four in regular time. Three of those took place at home, with one stalemate and two defeats.
Fortaleza EC reached the Copa Sudamericana quarter-finals for the first time in history after drawing 1-1 at home against Paraguay’s Libertad (2-1 on aggregate). On Saturday, the team also managed a massive 1-0 away success at SC Internacional to climb into eighth spot of the Brazilian league table on 29 points. O Leao are unbeaten in their last three in all competitions, winning two and drawing one. Away from home, they claimed four victories and suffered three losses in their last seven.
America has been very lucky to get this far into this competition and I think this should be it for them. They will face a more solid team like is Fortaleza, who shouldn’t lose here.