Corinthians (Brazil) vs Boca Juniors (Argentina)
Corinthians closed up their campaign in the Copa Libertadores group E with a surprising 1-1 home draw against Always ready from Bolivia and dropped down to the second spot on nine points. Last Saturday, the side drew 0-0 at home against Santos to continue occupying the second place in the Brazilian league table on 26 points after 14 rounds, three behind leaders Palmeiras. O Timao are on five matches unbeaten in all competitions, winning three and drawing two. At home, Corinthians haven’t lost any of their last 17 games, with 12 victories and five draws in regular time since losing to Santos 2-1 in February.
Meanwhile, Boca Juniors secured the win they needed to advance: they beat Deportivo Cali 1-0 at home and climbed into the top of the group E table on ten points following Corinthians’ draw. Last Friday, coach Sebastian Battaglia fielded an alternative XI and his team ended up losing 2-1 to Union Santa Fe at home, which put an end to their two-game winning streak in league action. The Argentine defending champions remain now on nine points in five games, trailing leaders Newell’s Old Boys by four. On a positive note, Boca won three of their last four on the road, only losing to CA Central Cordoba in the process.
Boca has been very irregular lately and without two important players like left defender Fabbra and midfielder Eduardo Salvio who is leaving the club, they should find trouble against this solid Corinthians.