Colo Colo (Chile) vs Godoy Cruz (Argentina)
CSD Colo Colo took a big step towards the Copa Libertadores’ third round last Thursday, when beating Godoy Cruz 1-0 away thanks to a strike from Marcos Bolados in the 59th minute. On Sunday, coach Jorge Almiron fielded a completely alternative XI and his team ended up losing 1-0 away at O’Higgins. As a result, El Cacique remain on three points in two weeks in league action. That defeat also stopped their four-match winning streak in all competitions. At home, Colo Colo lost their last match (2-0 to Union Espanola) after a 12-game unbeaten streak of ten victories and two draws.
Godoy Cruz couldn’t show their usual skills in a rough Copa Libertadores’ debut last week. The 1-0 home defeat means they need to win in Chile in order to keep their hope alive. It was their only defeat in the last ten competitive matches as El Tomba beat Instituto 2-0 away last Sunday even though coach Daniel Oldra decided to rest all his regulars. Following that success, the side opened a four-point gap at the top of the group B table in the Copa Liga Profesional, accumulating 19 points from 21 on offer so far (Estudiantes are on 15 in second). Godoy Cruz are on five away matches unbeaten, having won four and drawn one in that spell.
Godoy Cruz looked like a completely different team last week at home in the 1st leg, but they were back to their great form in the league over the weekend. I have to expect an open game here as they are in a must win situation to avoid elimination, and with Colo Colo at home after their good performance at Mendoza last week, 2 goals should be definitely possible.