Atletico Mineiro (Brazil) – River Plate (Argentina)

Atletico Mineiro are still alive and looking for their second Copa Libertadores’ title thanks to a highly celebrated 2-0 home success over Fluminense FC in the return leg of the quarter-finals, when striker Deyverson netted a brace to make it 2-1 on aggregate. O Galo drew 1-1 away at Fortaleza EC in the league last Wednesday to occupy ninth spot of the Brasileirao table on 41 points in 29 matches. On Saturday, Gabriel Milito’s men also drew 1-1 away at CR Vasco da Gama in the return leg of the Copa de Brasil semi-finals to win 3-2 on aggregate, advancing to the final. Overall, Atletico are unbeaten in their last five in all competitions (two victories and three draws) while they also remain without defeat in the last six at home (winning four and drawing two).

River Plate haven’t found big difficulties to beat CSD Colo Colo from Chile thanks to a goal from Facundo Colidio in the first half, making it 2-1 on aggregate to return to the Copa Libertadores’ semi-finals and continue seeking their fifth crown. Last Friday, El Millonario drew 1-1 against Velez Sarsfield at home, making it 26 points in the Liga Profesional (11 behind leaders) and three competitive matches without a win (two draws and one loss). On a positive note, Marcelo Gallardo’s men remain occupying one of the Libertadores’ qualifying berths in the aggregate table. River are unbeaten in their last seven away games, having won two and drawn five in that time.

I’m still not convinced by this River even though Marcelo Gallardo is back coaching them. They’ve been too irregular, and they’ve struggled to score lately getting only 4 in the last 6 games so I expect them to be in trouble against Atletico Mineiro who has won all 5 games at home in this competition.

BET: Atletico Mineiro -0.25 @ 1.91