Atletico Nacional vs. Racing (Friday, 1.00am)
© Reuters
Atletico Nacional welcome Racing Club to Estadio Atanasio Girardot on Thursday as the 2023 Copa Libertadores knockout phase gets underway.
While the hosts finished second in Group H – four points behind Olimpia – the visitors won Group A after suffering a solitary defeat in six matches.
We say: Atletico Nacional 1-1 Racing Club
With the second leg of this contest scheduled for next week, both sides look set to approach the first leg with caution, meaning that Atletico Nacional and Racing Club will likely play out a tense and cagey draw on Thursday.
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Flamengo vs. Olimpia (Friday, 1.00am)
© Reuters
Copa Libertadores holders Flamengo do battle with Paraguayan outfit Olimpia in the first leg of their last-16 clash at the Maracana on Friday.
While Flamengo are vying to win their four Copa Libertadores trophy, Olimpia are also seeking to lift a fourth continental crown and their first for over 20 years.
We say: Flamengo 2-0 Olimpia
Considering Flamengo are unbeaten in each of their last 10 home matches in all competitions, the Brazilian hosts will be regarded as firm favourites to come out on top on Friday.
A dogged display is required from Olimpia if they wish to grind out a positive result and keep themselves in the tie, but we believe Flamengo will get the better of their Paraguayan counterparts to give themselves a first-leg advantage.
