Deportivo Cali vs Boca Juniors
Deportivo Cali are back in the Copa Libertadores after not participating in the last five campaigns: they lifted the Torneo Finalizacion title in December 2021. However, the team are now experiencing a tough moment. El Azucarero drew 0-0 away at La Equidad last Friday, playing with an alternative XI, which means they won only one of their last five games (two draws and two losses) and are occupying the 18th spot of the league table with 12 points in 14 matches at the moment.
Crowned Copa Argentina champions in December, Boca Juniors will try again for their seven Copa Libertadores crown after being knocked out in the round of 16 last year. On Saturday, coach Sebastian Battaglia rotated most of his regulars and the team ended up drawing 2-2 at home against Sarandi Arsenal, but El Xeneize remain as one of the group B leaders in the Copa Liga Profesional, accumulating 15 points in eight rounds. Boca are on three matches unbeaten, winning two and drawing one, and haven’t lost any of their last five on away turf (three wins and two stalemates).
Deportivo Cali are not the team that won the colombian championship last season, but at Boca six players are suspended following the incidents at Atletico Mineiro last year, including Marcos Rojo and Sebastian Villa. Guillermo Fernandez remains recovering from a muscle problem and Carlos Izquierdoz is a long-term absentee. Too many missings for the visitors, so I think the hosts should take something from this game.