Central Cordoba (Argentina) vs Flamengo (Brazil)
CA Central Córdoba are enjoying an excellent campaign in their first-ever international tournament. Two weeks ago, they defeated Deportivo Táchira 2-1 with goals from Luis Angulo and Nicolás Quagliata to move to the top of Group C with seven points. Last Friday, with a completely rotated squad, El Ferroviario lost 3-1 away to Banfield, which eliminated them from playoff contention in the Torneo Apertura after collecting 18 points in 16 league matches. In fact, Central have lost four of their last five games in all competitions (with just one win) and have won only one of their last seven home matches, drawing three and losing three.
CR Flamengo are coming off a goalless draw away to LDU Quito on Matchday 3 of the Copa Libertadores—a positive result, though it cost them the chance to move up to second place in Group C. O Rubro-Negro now sit third with four points, one behind their most recent opponent. On Sunday, they suffered a 2-1 away defeat to Cruzeiro EC, a result that dropped them to third place in the Brasileirão standings with 14 points from seven matches, two behind joint leaders SE Palmeiras and Red Bull Bragantino. That defeat also ended two unbeaten runs: a six-game streak overall (four wins and two draws), and a remarkable 24-match unbeaten streak away from home (15 wins and nine draws).
A few weeks ago Central Cordoba made history beating Flamengo at the mythical Maracana stadium their first ever international win, but since then they haven’t been the same team. They are on a bad streak that cost them missing the playoffs in the Argentinian league and it’s clear that their form is not the best. Flamengo come to this game in almost a must win situation because a defeat could leave them in 3rd place, far from the top 2, so I think it’s time for this huge team to step up and take the win they need.