Recap
Despite two defeats in three matches (1-0-2 record), The Strongest has good hopes of qualifying. The reason is that the remaining 2/3 matches will be played in La Paz, which has an advantage due to altitude of 3500 meters. There they beat River Plate by 3-1 in the group premiere. In addition, the two away defeats came by a narrow 1-0 margin, so they also have a good goal ratio of the two tied teams. At Estadio Hernando Siles, they are undefeated in the last 8 games in the Copa Libertadores (6-2-0), and also undefeated in the last 6 games (4-2-0), when they hosted a teams from Brazil.
Fluminense almost cleaned up not only the qualification, but also the first place in its group. They are the absolute boss with 3/3 wins (9-2 goal difference). Their last win was also the most impressive, crushing River Plate 5-1 at the Maracana. Coach Fernando Diniz decide to rest many key players for the upcoming hard away match against Corinthians, which will be played on Sunday. Out of the squad are Lima (14/1), Cano (13/16 top scorer), Ganso (12/1 first assistant), Melo (11/0), Alexsander (7/2 second assistant), Marrony (5/1), Jorge (4/0), Mendes (4/0), Keno (3/0), Marcelo (1/1), and Apis.
As always, The Strongest will push for victory from the first minutes, and with the altitude factor on their side, I think they have a good chance to take the three points.