Independiente Medellín and América de Cali meet each other for the Copa
Libertadores on Tuesday, only a week after their previous clash. Boyacá
Chicó host Universidad de Chile a day later.
The tournament hasn’t exactly been a success to Medellín or América, as both have yet to earn their first win. DIM have done slightly better though, having drawn their first three games.
Both sides really need a win if they want to keep a realistic chance of advancing to the second round at the expense of either Sao Paulo or Defensor Sporting, who are currently first and second in this group.
Last week, in Cali, Colombian champions América only just managed a draw thanks to a late goal from John Valencia. The last time the two teams met in Medellín was for the first leg of the 2008 Copa Mustang II final. América won that game 0-1.
Boyacá Chicó are currently not on course for a top-two spot in their group either but the Tunja outfit do have a decent opportunity of making it through to the next round.
It was not surprising that Chicó lost to Brazilian giants Gremio last week, but the match with current group leaders Universidad de Chile is crucial and only a win would be a satisfying result for the Colombian side.
Universidad haven’t lost a match since February, when they were defeated by Mexican side Pachuca in the preliminary round of this tournament. However, that result was still enough for the Chileans to advance. If this defeat is not taken into account, their last lost was suffered in November 2008.
At the moment, Universidad are third in their home league but played two games less than the two top-placed teams.
Overall, it should be a tough match for Chicó but assuming that Gremio is out of their league, Universidad de Chile are the team to beat for second place. At home, the pressure is entirely on Chicó.