The 2022 Libertadores is down to the final eight teams. The last round provided some exciting moments, but this is where the rubber meets the road. With the first leg of the quarterfinals scheduled for this week, let’s take a closer look at the four matchups so you can bet against their Copa Libertadores odds.
Soccer Betting Preview for Quarterfinals Leg 1 Games From March 9th to 10th
Fluminense vs Olimpia
If there is a favorite in the tournament at this point, it’s probably Fluminense. The Brazilian powerhouse had the easiest time in the previous round, cruising past Colombian side Millonarios 4-1 over two legs. Over those two matches, they got four goals from four different players, so they have a variety of potential match-winners on the field. Plus, Brazilian teams have a strong record in Copa Libertadores, and as one of the two Brazilian teams left, that puts Fluminense in a good position.
But that doesn’t mean the Brazilian side can sleep on Olimpia. The Paraguayan side has already scored seven goals over its first three matches in its domestic league. Granted, they haven’t been that good defensively while settling for two draws and a win. But they are in good form after a 4-2 aggregate win over Atletico Nacional in the last round, so they will give Fluminense a stern test.
Everton vs Estudiantes
Despite losing the second leg of the Round of 16, Everton of Chile won the aggregate 3-1 over Venezuelan side Monagas, which should give them some confidence heading into the quarterfinals. The caveat is that their domestic form early in the season hasn’t been that great. Everton has three draws and one win in five matches, struggling to find the back of the net at times.
Scoring goals hasn’t been an issue for Estudiantes de La Plata lately. The Argentine side has won all four of its domestic games thus far, scoring 10 goals in those four matches with seven coming from either Mauro Boselli or Leandro Diaz. On the other hand, Estudiantes has conceded six goals in those four matches, so they can be exposed defensively, which could help Everton get its attack on track.
Universidad Católica vs The Strongest
Bolivian side The Strongest turned around a 2-0 deficit after the first leg of the Round of 16 and ended up winning on aggregate 3-2. It was a huge moment for a club that doesn’t have much of a track record in continental competitions. At the same time, they have jumped to the top of their domestic league with three wins and two draws in their first five matches while conceding just three goals in those five matches, so they are rolling right now and feeling confident.
Of course, Ecuador-based Universidad Católica eliminated a Bolivian team in the last round and will look to do the same. Remember that they play at elevation in Quito, giving them a big advantage for the home leg of the quarterfinals. The catch is that Católica has just one win in three domestic games this season, so they aren’t in great form right now.
America Mineiro vs Barcelona
Brazilian side America Mineiro needed a penalty shootout to advance past the last round, so they are hanging by a thread. However, they won the second leg 3-2 after losing the first leg, perhaps giving them some positive momentum.
Meanwhile, the Ecuadorian version of Barcelona was convincing in the last round, winning 3-0 on aggregate. The Bullfighters have also hit the ground running in their domestic league, winning its first three matches, as they have emerged as a serious contender to win the Copa Libertadores.