Club Libertad could supplant Atletico Mineiro in Group G when both sides face off in a Copa Libertadores clash at Estadio Tigo La Huerta on Tuesday.
Libertad are three points adrift of the Brazilian side in the standings, and the game is far from a dead rubber for both clubs, with the visiting team in with a chance of topping the section.
Match preview
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The Copa Libertadores began well for the Cabbage Growers, only for three defeats in the subsequent four matches to put them in a complicated situation heading into Tuesday's meeting with Mineiro.
They currently sit third in Group G — two points ahead of bottom Alianza Lima and three shy of the club they host in midweek — occupying the Copa Sudamericana place in the section.
However, they could end empty-handed if they lose to the Brazilian side and Alianza defeat table-topping Athletico Paranaense at the latter's ground.
On the other hand, they could be ambitious by seeking a commanding home success, thus opening the door to a round of 16 spot for the Paraguayan side.
However, two home defeats for Daniel Garnero's troops leave them winless at their ground in this year's group stage — their two victories came in away encounters — giving little optimism.
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Mineiro would look to inflict more Libertadores pain on Libertad on Tuesday, with their winning run possibly extending to four games if the Brazilian side secure maximum points.
The Belo Horizonte outfit are under the tutelage of legendary boss Luiz Felipe Scolari, who has been in situ for a week, having taken over from Eduardo Coudet.
Mineiro are winless in both games under the 2002 World Cup winner, so they hope to be third-time lucky when they square off with the Paraguayan club this week.
Success for Galo and a slip-up by table-topping Athletico PR would see Scolari's men end Group G atop the section, an eventuality that ostensibly remains realistic.
Be that as it may, a heavy loss against Libertad could see them drop into third spot and accept a Copa Sudamericana place instead of securing passage to the Libertadores knockout rounds.
Team News
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Libertad winger Antonio Bareiro suffered another ligament rupture at the end of May, ruling him out for the foreseeable future.
Bautista Merlini is not expected to feature due to the injury that has sidelined the winger since November 2022, while Hugo Martinez will not play because of a long-standing muscle problem since March.
Veteran strikers Roque Santa Cruz and Oscar Cardozo are vying for a central striking berth.
Despite his goal-scoring return to the Mineiro squad after his rehabilitation, Alan Kardec is expected to be named among the substitutes.
Mauricio Lemos is sidelined after picking up a muscle injury at the start of the month, while Hyoran could miss out after going off injured in minute 23 against Fortaleza.
Scolari's top player is Hulk, and the forward could be the difference-maker for the away side on Tuesday.
Club Libertad possible starting lineup:
Silva; Piris, Viera, Barboza, Espinoza; Sanabria, Campuzano, Diego Gomez; Villalba, Cardozo, Gonzalez
Atletico Mineiro possible starting lineup:
Everson; Mariano, Fuchs, Jemerson, Arana; Zaracho, Battaglia, Edenilson; Pavon, Hulk, Paulinho
We say: Club Libertad 1-1 Atletico Mineiro
Scolari may have to make do with a point that secures second place for Mineiro, with Libertad expected to give their all in a score draw at the Estadio Tigo La Huerta.
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