We have reached the halfway point of the Group Stage in the 2022 Copa Libertadores, with virtually a surprise in each and every one of the groups that are set to determine the teams that will enter the next round.
Some of the teams that have lived up to the hype are Palmeiras, Flamengo, and River Plate, all of them with a perfect record of three wins in the same number of games. These clubs have seen their chances of winning the competition increase with each passing game, and while Palmeiras have already qualified to the next round, the other clubs could join them by earning early tickets to the KO stage with wins this week.
On the other side, there have also been some clubs that have been quite disappointing in the group stage. One of those is undoubtedly Boca Juniors, who are fourth in Group E after a disastrous start of the competition. If things continue their current course, we could see the South American giants crashing out of the group stage in what would be one of the biggest upsets in the tournament since its creation.
Here is how the groups look like as we head into the second half of the Copa Libertadores' Group Stage.
Top Copa Libertadores games to watch this week
Independiente Petrolero vs Palmeiras - The first meeting between these teams ended in a whopping 8-1 win for the defending champions, and while the Bolivian side will go out there trying to avoid a similar score, the Brazilian side will want to cement their reputation in this tournament as the most prolific team with 15 goals.
Talleres Córdoba vs Flamengo - The red and black side is one win away from making it to the next round, but Talleres have the necessary tools to shock the Brazilian side. Both of these teams have conceded three times in the competition, and we could expect a defensive battle between these clubs despite the strikers each coach has at their disposal.
Always Ready vs Boca Juniors - The perennial favorites to win the title face elimination right in the eye thanks to a woeful start. If Boca want to keep their hopes alive, then they must beat Always Ready despite playing away from home. The Bolivian side is third after three games, and a win here would boost their chances of making it to the KO stage even if there is a winner between Corinthians and Deportivo Cali, the teams that are currently above the Bolivians in Group E.
Fortaleza vs River Plate - Los Millonarios enter this game in need of a win to seal their spot in the next round, and while it may seem doable for Marcelo Gallardo's men, the Brazilian side has made a name for itself thanks to their impressive displays in their domestic league when playing at home. Will we see the Brazilian underdogs claiming a big win against the South American titans, or will the Argentine club make it to the next round with one more victory here?
Here are all the games for the third week of action in this edition of the Copa Libertadores. More info on the tournament here.
