Independiente (Argentina) vs Ceara (Brazil)
Independiente found it easy to beat Deportivo La Guaira 4-0 at home to keep their hope alive in the Copa Sudamericana. The team made it 12 points and are now trailing leaders Ceara SC by three: El Rojo need to win by two goals here to leapfrog their opponents by goal difference and advance to the round of 16. Eduardo Dominguez’s men are on three consecutive victories in all competitions since losing to Lanus 1-0 away on April 30th. At home, Independiente are on five matches unbeaten (three successes and two draws).
Meanwhile, Ceara SC also claimed an easy 6-0 home success over General Caballero JLM to make it 15 points and remain at the top of the group G table. They will advance to the Copa Sudamericana round of 16 in the event of avoiding the defeat at Independiente (or even losing by a one-goal margin). On Saturday, O Vozao drew 0-0 away at Santos, which means they continue occupying one of the relegation spots in the Brazilian league with five points in six matches. On a positive note, Ceara are on four matches unbeaten in all competitions (winning two and drawing two). On the road, Dorival Junior’s men lost only one of the last eight in all competitions, winning six and drawing one.
Independiente must win by 2 goals or more to advance, Ceara will try to hold but sooner or later it will be a very open game.