Botafogo (Brazil) vs Defensa y Justicia (Argentina)
Botafogo FR continue to seek their first Copa Sudamericana title thanks to a 0-0 away draw at Paraguay’s Guarani two weeks ago (2-1 on aggregate) that allowed them to reach the quarter-finals. Furthermore, they drew 0-0 away at Sao Paulo FC to remain as solid leaders in the Brasileirao table, accumulating 48 points (11 above second-placed Palmeiras). O Fogao are unbeaten in their last 17 matches, winning ten and drawing seven. At home, Botafogo haven’t lost any of their last 20, with 17 victories and three stalemates.
Meanwhile, Defensa y Justicia are still in the fight for their second Copa Sudamericana crown in history: a 1-0 victory over CS Emelec (playing as hosts at Estadio Ciudad de La Plata) allowed them to make it 3-1 on aggregate and reach the quarter-finals. Last weekend, El Halcon had their Copa Liga Profesional debut (against Godoy Cruz at home) postponed. However, they remain occupying one of the Copa Sudamericana spots in the aggregate table. Overall, Defensa lost only one of their last ten matches, winning seven and drawing two. On away turf, Julio Vaccari’s men claimed two victories and one draw across the last four.
Defensa are a solid team but this super Botafogo are too strong at home and should beat them in this 1st leg.