Bolivar (Bolivia) – Internacional (Brazil)

Bolivar are into the Copa Libertadores’ top eight for the first time since 2014 after beating Brazil’s Athletico Paranaense on penalties (3-3 on aggregate). On Friday, the team also won 3-0 at home over Libertad Gran Mamore to make it two consecutive victories in all competitions and remain occupying third spot of the Bolivian league table, accumulating 41 points in 23 matches, five behind leaders The Strongest. Bolivar are on 13 matches unbeaten as the hosting side, having won 12 and drawn one since losing to Jorge Wilstermann 3-1 in April.

SC Internacional also won on penalties over River Plate after beating them 2-1 at home in the return leg. However, they lost to Fortaleza EC 1-0 at home last Saturday, which means O Colorado are on two consecutive defeats in all competitions, dropping down to the 14th spot of the Brasileirao table on 24 points in 20 matches (currently not qualifying for any of the continental tournaments in 2024). On away turf, Internacional are on four matches without a win, drawing one and losing three since beating America Mineiro 2-1 in June.

I expect the high altitude of La Paz to be a huge factor as usual an this Bolivar has proven to be solid besides this advantage, so they should be able to take the win in this 1st leg.

BET: Bolivar -0.5 @ 1.79