Estudiantes (Argentina) – Independiente Medellin (Colombia)
Estudiantes delivered a very respectable performance in last Wednesday’s match, but ultimately succumbed to the quality of CR Flamengo and lost 1–0 away at the Maracanã. As a result, El Pincha dropped to third place in Group A with six points, one behind Independiente Medellín, and must defeat them this Tuesday if they want to advance to the Copa Libertadores round of 16. With no more domestic league action, Alexander Medina’s side are now on a three-match winless run overall (one draw and two defeats), while they have also gone three consecutive home matches without a victory (two draws and one loss). Thanks to an Alexis Serna goal in the 97th minute, Independiente Medellín earned a dramatic 3–2 victory away to Cusco FC and kept alive their dream of reaching the Copa Libertadores round of 16 for the first time since 2005. The team climbed to second place in Group A with seven points and only need to avoid defeat against Estudiantes this Tuesday to achieve their objective. El Poderoso de la Montaña had the weekend off after a disappointing regular campaign in the Colombian Torneo Apertura, where they finished 11th and failed to qualify for the playoffs. Estudiantes must win to advance and I can’t imagine this good team failing to beat a poor Independiente Medellin who struggled one every competition this semester and are under an interim coach the last few weeks.