Defensa y Justicia (Argentina) vs Botafogo (Brazil)
Defensa y Justicia secured a massive point on their visit to Botafogo FR last Wednesday thanks to a goal from Nicolas Tripichio in the 78th minute, which means they will advance to the semi-finals in the event of winning here. On Sunday, coach Julio Vaccari fielded an alternative XI that drew 0-0 away at Platense in their Copa Liga Profesional debut (MD1 postponed). El Halcon are on four matches unbeaten in all competitions, winning two and drawing two. At home, Defensa haven’t lost any of the last 12, with nine victories and three draws. They will host this game at Banfield due to CONMEBOL restrictions.
Botafogo FR fans will have felt frustrated after their 1-1 home draw against Defensa y Justicia last week, which forces them to at least avoid the defeat in Argentina. On Sunday, O Fogao beat Bahia EC 3-0 at home to remain as solid Brazilian league leaders on 51 points, 11 above second-placed Palmeiras. In fact, Bruno Lage’s men are unbeaten in their last 19 competitive matches, winning 11 and drawing eight in that spell. Nine of those games took place on the road: Botafogo won four and drew five.
Botafogo hasn an amazing unbeaten run, and even if I think that Defensa is a good team, I can’t see the Brazilians losing here.