Junior vs Botafogo Prediction: This match will decide first place in the group

The Colombians and Brazilians have already qualified for the knockout phase of the Copa Libertadores. Both teams have nine points, but Junior leads the group thanks to the victory over Botafogo in Rio de Janeiro. After starting with two defeats in the first two games, Botafogo won the following three matches and managed to qualify when all seemed lost. The Glorioso still has a chance of winning Group D but must win in Barranquilla.

Junior

The Sharks are fighting to reach the final of the Colombian league after a 1-0 win against Bucamaranga. Junior is in second place with the same eight points as Deportivo Pereira, who has the advantage in head-to-head results between the two teams. Junior Barranquilla will have to do better than Deportivo Pereira in the final game to reach the final. The decisive game with Millonarios takes place a few days after the match with Botafogo. Junior only needs a draw against the Brazilians to finish top of the group. However, Arturo Reyes, the Barranquilla team's coach, could spare some players, given the short recovery time for the league match.

Botafogo

The Lone Star team qualified for the next stage of the Copa do Brasil by beating Vitória 2-1. Botafogo had won the first leg 1-0 at home and confirmed its superiority against the Baianos in Salvador. The Cariocas are confident after their two wins against Universitario and Vitória, which ensured their qualification for the Copa Libertadores and Copa do Brasil, respectively. Jefinho's goal in the 77th minute of the Lima match was determinant for the club, which seems determined to look to the future and forget last season's traumatic season. Botafogo knows a draw isn't enough to finish in first place, so an ambitious attitude is expected.

Expert Betting Tips

The Brazilians will be looking to win, while the Colombians will be satisfied with a draw, a result that will grant them first place in the group. Considering Junior will have a crucial game in the Categoría Primera A next weekend, the home side shouldn't want to push too hard. I'm betting on a Double Chance in favor of Botafogo, with a maximum of three goals scored in the game.