The 2024 Copa Libertadores is down to 8 teams as the quarter-finals are set to begin in less than a week’s time on the 17th of September. Each quarter-final will be played in two legs; one at home and one match on the road. The aggregate score of the two matches will be combined to decide which team advances to the semis.
The eight teams still vying for the title this year are: Fluminense, Atlético Mineiro, Botafogo, São Paulo, Flamengo, Peñarol, Colo-Colo and River Plate. Let’s take a closer look at each of the quarter-final matchups and how they might turn out.
Colo-Colo Vs River Plate (September 17th & 24th)
In a battle between two of the top teams in the tournament, Colo-Colo will take on River Plate in what could be the most closely contested series in the quarter-finals. Both teams have talented rosters and experienced coaching staff which have the potential to take home the championship this season.
River Plate have gotten the best of Colo-Colo in the past, winning five out their six previous matchups. The last time the teams met however was in 2023, when Colo-Colo managed to pull off a 2-2 draw. As one of the more improved sides in the last few years, the Chileans have a much better chance than in previous years to topple the River Plate.
It should be noted however that Midfielder Vicente Pizarro underwent surgery for a mandibular fracture he sustained in an international friendly for Chile. As a result, he will miss both matches in the quarter-final which could be very costly.
Fluminense Vs Atlético Mineiro (September 18th & 25th)
In another evenly matched contest, two Brazilian clubs, Fluminense and Atlético Mineiro will be facing off against each other in the quarters. Fluminense squeezed past Gremio in the ROund of 16, winning via penalties after tying on aggregate score 3-3 in their two matches. Atlético Mineiro also had a hard time qualifying for the quarters, barely beating San Lorenzo 2-1.
With 3 wins, 3 losses and 4 draws, Atlético have been in the middle of the pack all season. For them to beat Fluminense they will likely need big contributions on the offensive end by the star striker Hulk. Hulk is the top goalscorer with 6 goals while Paulinho comes in next with 2.
Fluminense have 4 victories, 3 defeats and 3 draws in their last 10 league games. Their attack has been more balanced with Kaua Elias scoring 4 goals and a number of others chipping in with 2. They will likely go into the matchup with Atlético Mineiro as slight favourites.
Flamengo Vs Peñarol (September 18th and 25th)
Flamengo will go into their quarter-final as heavy favourites against Uruguayan side Peñarol. Flamengo were able to beat Columbian side Bolívar in the last round by the score of 2-1 to advance. Peñarol had an outstanding home leg of the Round of 16, winning 4-0, but then dropped the road match 1-0.
There have only been two matches between these two teams in the past, both in 2019. Peñarol won 1-0 in one of the matches while the other finished in a scoreless tie. Flamengo has been the better team in the past few years however and has one of the better scorers in the league with Pedro.
Botafogo Vs São Paulo (September 18th and 25th)
In another all Brazilian encounter, Botafogo will go up against São Paulo in what is considered a classic matchup. São Paulo beat Nacional 2-0 to make it to the quarter while Botafogo had a close call against Palmeiras, edging them out 4-3.
These two teams have met 75 times to total, where the home side have won 32 of those games while the visitors have won 26 times.There have been 16 draws between the two teams including their most recent matchup which ended goalless.
Since these two teams are so familiar with each other this matchup will likely be a very close one which is decided by a single goal or shootout.
