Caracas FC vs Atlético Mineiro
Stadium: Olímpico de la UCV
05.04.2024, 01:00
If there are no surprises in this group, Atlético Mineiro, Peñarol, and Rosario Central will be fighting to qualify for the knockout stage of the Copa Libertadores. Venezuela's Caracas FC starts behind the three best-placed teams and is the strongest candidate to finish bottom of the group. That's not to say that the Reds from Ávila can't cause problems against their opponents, especially at home, but qualification for the next stage looks highly unlikely.
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The club from the Venezuelan capital is having a disappointing season and occupies a worrying 11th place in a league with only 14 teams. After eight games without a win, coach Leo González was replaced, and new team leader Henry Meléndez will debut against Atlético Mineiro. The Caracas players will not be short of motivation, as they want to prove their worth to the new coach in a Copa Libertadores match. A draw would be a very positive result for the Venezuelans.
Atlético Mineiro
The Rooster also had a change in command with Scolari's departure. Gabriel Milito was on the bench for the first leg of the Campeonato Mineiro final as the new manager but will miss the match in Caracas due to a suspension. Last season, Milito was shown a red card as Argentinos Juniors coach in the round of 16 match against Fluminense. The two-goal draw at home to Cruzeiro means that Atlético must beat its rival on its home ground in the second leg of the final next weekend. In Caracas, the game is also a must-win. The Rooster won the Copa Libertadores in 2013 and has far more quality than its opponent.
Expert Betting Tips
Atlético Mineiro is the favorite heading to Venezuela. Both teams have changed coaches, but Caracas FC's situation is far more worrying, with 11th place in the league. Gabriel Milito won't be on the bench for the Rooster due to suspension, but the high-quality Atlético players should prevail on the pitch. I'm backing the Brazilians to win with a maximum of five goals scored in the game.
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