Monagas (Venezuela) vs Boca (Argentina)

Runners-up in the 2022 Venezuelan league, Monagas SC will start their third Copa Libertadores campaign trying to overcome the first stage for the first time ever. Last Friday, El Azulgrana suffered a 3-0 away loss at Carabobo FC, which put an end to their four-game unbeaten streak of three victories and one draw. Johnny Ferreira’s men dropped down to third spot of the Primera Division table on 14 points in eight matches, trailing leaders Academia Puerto Cabello by ten. Monagas are without defeat in their last six home matches, having won four and drawn two since losing to Metropolitanos FC 2-0 in early October.

After a heartbreaking loss on penalties to Corinthians in the round of 16 last year, Boca Juniors start over on their fight to lift the seventh Copa Libertadores title as the defending Argentine league champions. Things seem a little tougher for El Xeneize at the moment: they beat Barracas Central 3-0 away under interim boss Mariano Herron to make it two wins in a row in all competitions, but the team are occupying eighth spot in the league table on 14 points, seven behind leaders River Plate. On away turf, Boca registered two victories and two defeats in 2023.

I can imagine an open game here with goals, Boca has been unreliable lately and when they travel in this competition their rivals always try to prove themselves against one of the giants of the continent.

BET: OVER 2.25 @ 1.95