Fluminense continues their strive for the Copa Libertadores as they begin their first leg of their last 16 knockout phases against Cerro Porteno. The match schedules for Tuesday at General Pablo Rojas with kickoff at 1:15 am.
The hosts finished Group D at the top to advance as one of the highest performing sides, while Cerro Porteno finished second in Group H.
It was a mixed start to the Brasileiro campaign for Fluminense after making four wins, drawn five and lost two matches in their last 11 fixtures. However, a win last weekend against Sport Recife to climb to seventh in the division. The success is building their momentum ahead of the continental clash.
Furthermore, the inconsistency in the Libertadores group stages could not turn down their advancing to the next stage to finish above River Plate. Thus, they face off against Cerro Porteno to either advance to face either Velez Sarsfield or Ecuadorian outfit Barcelona.
Meanwhile, Cerro Porteno has not taken part in any competitive game since losing 2-0 to Club Guarani back in May. Their last match ended in a 2-0 defeat in four matches across all competitions.
In addition, Francisco Arce pulls off his focus on the league clash against Sportivo Luqueno. However, the double-header with the high profile opposition posing a threat. The side comes off back to back defeats to Atletico Mineiro in the group stages.
Cerro Porteno vs Fluminense Head to Head
Both sides have two games against each other, with Fluminense taking two wins while Cerro without success. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Guarani 2-0 Cerro Porteno
- Cerro Porteno 1-0 America de Cali
- Cerro Porteno 0-1 12 de Octubre de Itaugua
- Porteno 0-1 Atletico Mineiro
- River Plate 1-1 Cerro Porteno
Away
- Sport Recife 1-2 Cerro Porteno
- Fluminense 0-0 Ceara
- Flamengo 0-1 Fluminense
- Fluminense 1-4 Club Athletico Paraenense
- Fluminense 1-1 Corinthians
Cerro Porteno Team News
There are new additions to the camp, including Fernando Romero, Luis Farina, Adrian Martinez and Rafael Carrascal. However, Angel Cardozo Lucena remains unavailable while on Copa America duty.
Fluminense Team News
Machado looks to stage their strongest starting XI for the first leg. Centre-back Nino will play no part after getting a call-up for the Olympics. Other injury doubts ahead of the clash include Hudson and Fred.
Prediction and Odds
Given the lack of action over the past months, we envisage the opponents taking a quick wiN.
- Fluminense Win
- Goals Over 2.5
- Both Teams to Score
