The second leg of the Copa Libertadores gets underway this week as Fluminense meets Cerro Porteno in the last 16 meetings. The match schedules for Wednesday at the Estadio do Maracana, with kickoff at 1:15 am.
The hosts were prolific in their Copa Brasil with a triumphant 3-0 win over Circiuma. On the other hand, their opponents come off a disappointing 0-0 draw against River Plate de Asuncion in the Primera Division.
The last time Fluminense reached the Copa Libertadores final was back in 2008. Unfortunately, the side went on to lose on penalties to LDU Quito. Over a decade later, Roger Machado will be looking to move into the finals this time around.
Machado remains optimistic that his side will be up for the task this Wednesday, given a home advantage. Furthermore, the side will be looking to put behind their recent domestic defeats to Gremio and Palmeiras.
Meanwhile, their opponents failed to move past the semi-finals of the Copa Libertadores in 36 appearances. In addition, there is much more pressure for Cerro Porteno, given their first league defeat.
However, the Paraguayan outfit remains on a summer break after their season concluded back in May. The El Ciclon managed to finish second in the league across the 18 matches played throughout the season. Moreover, the side has not found luck when facing Brazilian oppositions in this year’s competition.
Fluminense vs Cerro Porteno Head to Head
Both sides have three games against each other, with Fluminense taking three wins while Cerro Porteno without one. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Fluminense 3-0 Circiuma
- Circiuma 2-1 Fluminense
- Palmeiras 1-0 Fluminense
- Fluminense 0-1 Gremio
- Cerro Porteno 0-2 Fluminense
Away
- River Plate 0-0 Cerro Porteno
- Club DR Benjamin 0-2 Cerro Porteno
- Cerro Porteno 1-1 Club Libertad
- Sportivo Luqueno 0-0 Cerro Porteno
- Cerro Porteno 0-2 Fluminense
Fluminense Team News
A major blow at the camp is the ACL injury picked up by Hudson, who remains on the sidelines for an unknown period. In addition, Ciao Paulista will miss out on the second leg after picking a thigh problem. Nino is unavailable after a stay in the Olympics with the Brazil U-23’s.
Cerro Porteno Team News
Francisco Arce’s squad remains with a clean bill of health without any recent injuries to note ahead of the clash.
Prediction and Odds
The opponents continue struggling with a first-leg defeat; hence we expect the hosts to shine on their home turf.
- Home Win
- Goals Under 2.5
- No Score: Away
