Tuesday evening brings us the final round of matches in the group stages of the Copa Libertadores and Group H features the clash between runaway group leaders, Atletico Mineiro and basement dwellers, La Guaira, at the Estádio Governador Magalhães Pinto.
It’s been an excellent group campaign for Atletico Mineiro as the hosts sit top of Group H, winning four and drawing one of their five matches to date which includes wins against America de Cali (home and away) and Cerro Porteno (home and away) along with a 1-1 draw away at La Guaira on the opening day.
Overall form and results for the Brazilian hosts has been very steady as Atletico MG have suffered just two defeats out of their last 24 matches in all competitions, and both of these losses were incurred away from home at Caldense and Cruzeiro in the domestic competition.
Results at home in the Copa Libertadores have also been impressive as Atletico Mineiro have lost just two of their last 19 matches and the hosts look set to finish the group stage with another victory.
Deportivo La Guaira sit bottom of Group H and the visitors have still yet to record their first win in these group stages of the Copa Libertadores as they’ve gained just three points in their five matches played to date.
Draws with Atletico Mineiro (home), Cerro Porteno and America de Cali have been outweighed by defeats against Cerro Porteno 1-0 at home and a heavy 3-1 loss away from home at America de Cali, while the bigger picture paints a dismal outlook for La Guaira in this competition.
The visitors have managed to win just one of their nine matches overall in their short history at this level which came in their first appearance with a 1-0 home win over Peruvian outfit, Cusco, but Deportivo La Guaira have since slumped.
La Guaira have failed to win any of their subsequent eight matches at this level and the visitors have also failed to score in five of these eight games as well, making this upcoming tie away from home at Atletico Mineiro a particularly difficult prospect, especially given Atletico’s decent pedigree at this level.
La Guaira may be able to keep things tight up until half-time but the quality of Atletico MG should shine through in the second half.