Sporting Cristal (Peru) vs Talleres (Argentina)
Sporting Cristal settled for a 1-1 home draw against Universidad Catolica two weeks ago to keep their hopes alive. It was their first point in the Copa Libertadores, but the team remain three points behind their last opponents and could fight for the third place, which offers a ticket to the Copa Sudamericana knockout stage. On Friday, the team beat Ayacucho 3-2 at home to remain occupying third spot in the Peruvian league table on 25 points in 13 matches, trailing leaders Melgar by three. Roberto Mosquera’s men are unbeaten in their last four games, winning two and drawing two. At home, they managed ten points from the last 12 available in all competitions.
Talleres clinched a key point against Flamengo after drawing 2-2 at home in their last Copa Libertadores game. The team remain second-placed and hold a big chance of advancing to the round of 16 for the first time in history. A few days ago, Pedro Caixinha’s men beat Sarmiento 1-0 at home to close up their campaign in the Copa Liga Profesional with 11 points in 14 matches in the group stage. Talleres lost only one of their last four competitive games, winning two and drawing one, but they also are winless on the road in 2022, having drawn one and lost seven in all competitions so far.
Talleres can secure a place in the next round with a win here, or maybe even a draw, and I think they can get it.