Boca (Argentina) – Cruzeiro (Brazil)
Boca Juniors compromised their chances in the Copa Libertadores two weeks ago, suffering an unexpected 1–0 defeat away to Barcelona SC. As a result, El Xeneize dropped to third place in Group D with six points, one behind Universidad Católica and Cruzeiro EC, and can no longer afford another defeat if they want to reach the next round. A few days later, Boca also lost 3–2 at home to Huracán and were eliminated from the Argentine Torneo Apertura in the round of 16. With that result, Claudio Úbeda’s side have now lost three of their last four matches across all competitions, winning just one. That defeat also ended a nine-match unbeaten run at Estadio Alberto J. Armando (four wins and five draws).
Cruzeiro EC earned an important point away to Universidad Católica two weeks ago, drawing 0–0 despite playing with ten men from the 48th minute onward. As a result, A Raposa remain second in Group D with seven points (behind leaders Universidad Católica only on goals scored) and still have everything in their hands to qualify for the round of 16. On Saturday, Artur Jorge’s side drew 1–1 away to SE Palmeiras and extended their unbeaten run across all competitions to four matches (two wins and two draws). On the downside, they sit 13th in the Brasileirao with 20 points from 16 matches. In addition, Cruzeiro are unbeaten in their last six away matches (three wins and three draws).
Boca has been poor defensively lately including conceding 3 goals against Huracan in the game that eliminated them from the argentinian league, they won’t have defensive midfielder Ascascibar due to suspension, so I expect an open game here between two teams with a good attack.
BET: OVER 2 @ 1.89