Runners-up in 2008, Fluminense are returning to the Copa Libertadores after seven years of absence following their fifth spot in the Brazilian league table last season. Last Saturday, the team managed an important 1-0 home win over second-tier side Botafogo to clinch their ticket to the Taca Rio’s semi-finals with one match to go: they are now sitting in third spot on 19 points, four above fifth-placed Madureira. Fluminense are unbeaten in their last four matches (one draw and three straight victories) and took seven points from the last nine on offer at home.
Second-placed in the Argentine league table in 209/20, River Plate restart their fight for the fifth Copa Libertadores’ title in history. The team come off of a big 5-0 away success at CA Central Cordoba, which allowed them to stay occupying second spot in the Copa Liga Profesional’s group A on 18 points in ten rounds, three behind leaders Colon. Overall, El Millonario are on seven matches without defeat in all competitions, winning four and drawing three. On away turf, they claimed three successes and two draws across the last five games since losing to Estudiantes 2-1 in February.
When River plays you have to expect goals, especially away when they find spaces for their fast attackers and I can’t see why it won’t happen here again.
BET: OVER 2.25 @ 1.86