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The Quarterfinals of Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana Confirmed
The thrilling eighth round of the Libertadores Cup concluded with intense matches. River Plate, the favorite, faced Valley Independent, the reigning South American champion, while Athletico Paranaense, the runner-up of the previous edition, lost to Flamengo. These three teams will now eagerly watch the gripping quarterfinal matchups leading up to the final on November 4 at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
On the Upper Side of the Bracket: Boca Juniors vs. Racing
Boca Juniors will clash with Racing, who managed to reverse a 2-4 loss in the first leg against Atletico Nacional de Medellin. Boca Juniors faced a tough challenge against Nacional from Uruguay, where they let slip a two-goal advantage and had to rely on penalties. Sergio Romero’s outstanding performance, saving two penalty kicks, secured Boca Juniors’ spot in the quarterfinals. Both teams will now focus on the continental tournament, scheduled for the week of August 22-24, with the rematches taking place from the 29th to the 31st of the same month. Dates and times are yet to be confirmed.
Winner to Face Sports Pereira or Palmeiras
The winner of the Boca Juniors vs. Racing matchup will face either Sports Pereira or Palmeiras. Sports Pereira, after finishing second in Group F behind River Plate, eliminated one of the top favorites, Valley Independent, with a 1-0 victory in Colombia and a 1-1 draw in Ecuador. Meanwhile, Palmeiras prevailed over Atletico Mineiro with a 1-0 aggregate score.
On the Bottom Side of the Bracket: Internacional vs. Bolivar
River Plate was eliminated on penalties by Internacional in Porto Alegre. Despite recovering from a 1-2 loss in the first leg, River Plate fell short in the shootout. Internacional’s Gabriel Market and Allan Patrick scored crucial goals, while Robert Rojas missed the decisive penalty kick. This marks Internacional’s first victory under coach Eduardo Coudet. They will now face Bolivar, who also advanced by defeating Athletico Paranaense. Bolivar won 3-1 at home but suffered a 0-2 defeat, ultimately securing their place in the quarterfinals through a penalty shootout at the Arena da Baixada.
Fluminense vs. Olympia in the Quarterfinals
Fluminense will face Olympia, who caused an upset by eliminating Flamengo with a 3-1 victory in Paraguay (3-2 on aggregate). Meanwhile, Fluminense displayed a strong performance at home against Argentinos, winning 2-0 after a 1-1 draw in the first leg. The series was marred by a serious foul from Marcelo on Luciano Sanchez, resulting in a dislocated knee. Marcelo has been suspended for three matches and will miss the upcoming games. He may only return for the semifinals, scheduled from October 26 to 5.
The South American Cup Quarterfinals
The South American Cup, the second most important tournament organized by CONMEBOL, has also confirmed its quarterfinal matchups. The final will take place on October 28 at the Centennial Stadium in Montevideo.
Botafogo vs. Defense and Justice
Excitement continues to build as Defense and Justice, after eliminating Emelec, will face Botafogo to secure a spot in the next round. The decisive match will be held in Florencio Varela.
Quito League vs. Sao Paulo
League of Quito, who advanced by winning a penalty shootout against Ñublense, will face Sao Paulo, who did the same against San Lorenzo.
Corinthians vs. Estudiantes
Corinthians, after eliminating Newell’s, will go up against Estudiantes. The winner of this matchup will face either Strength or America MG, who advanced by winning penalty shootouts against Bragantino.
All the Quarterfinal Crosses of the Libertadores Cup:
Racing vs. Boca Juniors
Deportivo Pereira vs. Palmeiras
Bolivar vs. Porto Alegre Internacional
Olympia vs. Fluminense
All the Quarterfinal Crosses of the South American Cup:
Botafogo vs. Defense and Justice
Quito League vs. Sao Paulo
Corinthians vs. Estudiantes
America MG vs. Strength