With two matches to play in the group stage of the 2022 Copa Libertadores, Caracas FC have a chance to overtake The Strongest for second place in Group B when the two sides meet at Estadio Olimpico de la UCV on Wednesday.
The hosts are unbeaten at home in this year’s competition and have not conceded in their two group matches in Caracas, while The Strongest enter the contest off the back of a 5-0 victory over Athletico Paranaense.
After four matches in the premier club competition in South America, Caracas have had a chance to showcase a performance no Venezuelan team has since 2009, qualifying for the second phase of this competition.
Caracas were the last side from the Venezuelan Republic to make it to the round of 16, and there is no room for error if they are to return to that stage, as only three points currently separate first-place Libertad from Athletico Paranaense at the bottom of the standings.
Should they manage to pick up three points on Tuesday, it would be their highest tally to a group stage campaign since 2011, when they finished third, a point behind Velez Sarsfield for a spot in the last 16.
Heading into the conclusion of the round-robin portion of this showcase event, Christian Diaz and his side’s fate will be in their own hands, as they are currently hoilding onto second place with a superior gaol difference.
A 5-0 win in their previous match could prove decisive in their quest to qualify for the knockout stage for the first time since 2017, with the five goals the only thing separating them from Caracas in third.
The Strongest have struggled away from home with only one victory in their previous six matches across all competitions, failing to score in three of those games.
Caracas FC vs The Strongest head to head
The two sides have previously met on only one occasion in the Copa Libertadores on April 28 this year at the Estadio Hernando Siles, where they played out a 1-1 draw with The Strongest playing at home. They now meet for the second time in the same competition.
The Strongest 1-1 Caracas 28/04/22
Caracas FC latest home form
Caracas have recently been on a good run of form at home, and have not lost in any of their five most recent matches. They defeated Mineros de Guayana 1-0 in their last home game in the league. In their last five matches, they have scored nine goals and conceded four.
Caracas 3-2 Deportivo La Guaira 09/04/22
Caracas 2-0 Deportivo Tachira 23/04/22
Caracas 2-2 Monagas 01/05/22
Caracas 1-0 Libertad 04/05/22
Caracas 1-0 Mineros de Guayana 14/05/22
Caracas FC latest away form
Caracas have recently failed to keep a good run of form on the road, having been winless in their five most recent matches. They drew 0-0 with Estudiantes de Merida in their last away game in the league. In their last five matches, they have scored three goals and conceded five.
Academia Puerto Cabello 0-0 Caracas 01/04/22
Libertad 2-1 Caracas 14/04/22
Hermanos Colmenarez 2-1 Caracas 18/04/22
The Strongest 1-1 Caracas 28/04/22
Estudiantes de Merida 0-0 Caracas 08/05/22
The Strongest latest home form
The Strongest have recently been on a good run of form at home, having been unbeaten in their seven most recent matches. They played out a goalless draw with Guabira in their last home game in the league. In their last five matches, they have scored 11 goals and conceded three.
The Strongest 4-1 Atletico Palmaflor 21/04/22
The Strongest 1-1 Caracas 28/04/22
The Strongest 1-1 Real Santa Cruz 30/04/22
The Strongest 5-0 Athletico Paranaense 04/05/22
The Strongest 0-0 Guabira 14/05/22
The Strongest latest away form
The strongest have recently failed to keep a good run of form on the road, having won just one of their six most recent matches. They drew 1-1 with Nacional Potosi in their last away game in the league. In their last five matches, they have scored three goals and conceded four.
Athletico Paranaense 1-0 The Strongest 15/04/22
Oriente Petrolero 1-1 The Strongest 18/04/22
Universitario de Sucre 0-1 The Strongest 24/04/22
Bolivar 1-0 The Strongest 08/05/22
Nacional Potosi 1-1 The Strongest 12/05/22
Caracas FC news
Samson Akinyoola leads Caracas in goals in this competition, while Saul Guarirapa picked up an assist on that occasion.
Carlos Rivero, Daniel Rivillo, Fereira and Rubert Quijada have formed a solid back four, having played together in defence in their last two games in this tournament, and will feature once again here.
The Strongest news
Enrique Triverio and Martin Prost lead The Strongest in scoring with four goals in this competition, while goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra only had to face one shot in their victory over Athletico Paranaense.
Johan Gutierrez replaced Viscara in goal over the weekend aided by Saul Torres, Adrian Jusino, Ismael Benegas and Jaime Villamil.
Prediction and Odds
We are expecting a tough contest, with the unfamiliar feeling for both sides of having a shot at qualifying for the knockout stage of this competition.
Experience would favour The Strongest, but Caracas have been strong defensively at home, so we are expecting to see a share of the spoils.
Odds: 1 2.15 X 2.05 2 2.30
Probable outcomes
Caracas 0-0 The Strongest
Caracas 1-1 The Strongest
Caracas 2-2 The Strongest
Caracas 1-0 The Strongest
Caracas 2-1 The Strongest

















