I guess to some extent playing the defending champion has to be an extra incentive, but you'd think playing Libertadores should be enough to pump people up. I'm surprised to hear they bought shoes today at a local shop. You'd think they'd be more ready than that. Anyway, I'm looking forward to watching the game and Brana's goal starting at 10:00 PM tonight, courtesy of Fox Sports Espanol.
Apparently they tested the pitch last night and they were dissappointed because they expected it to be taller, other players(like Orión) used their regular blades however.
YEs they are, they are a young bunch, a lot of this kids are playing their first year in division one and are really struggling in the local tournament, I very much doubt they'll go far into this tournament but they are putting together a pretty impressive team for years to come.
Copa Libertadores: Estudiantes pick up crucial points Defending Copa Libertadores champions Estudiantes de La Plata moved top of Group 3 after claiming a valuable 2-0 victory over Juan Aurich in Chiclayo, Peru, on Tuesday night. Inspired by the brilliant work of midfielder Jose Sosa Los Picharratas proved too strong for the Peruvians with two second half goals and are now just a step away from securing passage into the round of 16 stage of the competition. Backed by a sold out crowd of 20,000, Juan Aurich started well, but as the minutes ticked away Estudiantes began to take command of the field due to the presence of captain Juan Sebastian Veron, who was wearing grass shoes to minimise the effects of the artificial field. After an evenly balanced first half, the game opened up after the break and this was when Estudiantes scored both of their goals. Gaston Fernandez, who recently returned to the club, put them ahead in the 51st minute after a fine assist from Sosa. Rodrigo Brana put the result out of Aurich´s reach in the 67th with what will surely be a contender for goal of the tournament. The defensive midfielder lobbed the ball over Aurich goalkeeper Diego Morales from 45 metres out. It was his first goal in 44 international matches. The Peruvians had two players sent off in the final five minutes of the match, these being Jesus Alvarez and Luis Tejada. Libertad 1-1 Lanus Lanus remain with an outside chance of qualifying for the Copa Libertadores round of 16 stage after picking up a late 1-1 draw against Libertad in Asuncion, Paraguay. Defender Adalberto Roman put Libertad ahead in the 3rd minute, and it seemed that the Paraguayans would brush aside the Argentines. However, despite playing with ten men from the 41st minute, Lanus claimed a heroic point with a superb equaliser from Maximiliano Velazquez with seven minutes left in the second half. Velazquez lobbed the ball over Libertad goalkeeper Bernardo Medina from outside of the area. Gregory Sica http://www.southamericanfutbol.com/ By the way this is just about the best South American football site I have ever come across, just awesome updated info everyday, I love it http://www.southamericanfutbol.com/
I predicted Aurich's collapse. I wouldn't be surprised if Bolivar get their first win against them, next. Alianza should top Group 3 after next Thursday, and the winner will be decided in the Estudiantes-Alianza game. I see Estudiantes growing, so it'll probably be them winning the group. La U also should top its group after next Tuesday, with 11 pts. to Libertad 9. So even if Lanus wins the last game against La U, the Peruvian team will be qualified. In short, Libertad will have to defeat the pathetic Blooming at home, to kick Lanus out. I think it's doable, Blooming is the worst team in the tournament.
Its a decent site, but for me, beyond Argentina and Brasil they dont stay on top of things, oh yea and the Libertadores.
Libertad having a young squad, hah! In the second half one of the subtitutes that came in was only 16 years old!
More than Aurich collapsing, I think Estudiantes just played a hell of a game. They were absolutely stifling on defense. Aurich has some real talent on the attack but they were completely shut down. I was impressed. If they keep up this level they're on the short list of champ candidates.
Yes Vélez got raped at the Mineirão. Interestingly both Cruzeiro and Vélez have the same amount of points, the goal differential is highly favorable to Cruzeiro though.
Yeah, Cruzeiro has a five goal advantage. But Velez has the advantage that their final match is against Deportivo Italia at home, while Cruzeiro has to play a tough match against Colo Colo in Chile. If Colo Colo wins against Deportivo Italia they still have a chance to qualify, so they will make it tough for Cruzeiro.
Banfield tied it in the last minute. So Morelia-Banfield finished 1-1. So Morelia chances of making to the next round are kinda of short, they must win their last match in Montevideo and wait for Banfield to lose at home against Cuenca. By the time being Kleber became the top scorer of the cup.
News: Caldas va por la clasificación en Libertadores Con la mira puesta en avanzar a octavos de final, el Caldas recibirá hoy al Nacional de Paraguay. More...
Well, they have a bit of a better shot if Velez loses to Deportivo Italia at home. But if that doesn't happen, then all they 'd need to do is to beat Deportivo Italia and Cruzeiro by a combined eight goals.