Boca Juniors vs Monagas

Having already qualified for the Copa Libertadores knockout stages, Boca Juniors welcome minnows Monagas to the Estadio Alberto J. Armando.

A point will suffice for Boca Juniors to cement their place in the Copa Libertadores knockouts as Group F winners. They commence the final group-stage matchday three points clear of second-placed Pereira. Except for a 1-0 day-four defeat away to the Colombian side, it’s been a near-flawless Copa Libertadores campaign for Jorge Almiron’s men (W3, D1). But home fans may need to showcase some patience, considering only one of Boca’s five matches in Group F has seen them in front at halftime (HT: W1, D4). Interestingly, each of those four halftime draws featured the same 0-0 scoreline, highlighting the potential for a cagey start. Boca wouldn’t mind that scenario as long as it helps them extend a six-game unbeaten home streak in all competitions (W5, D1).

In the meantime, Monagas’ unexpected 1-0 home triumph over Pereira last time out reignited their hopes of reaching the Copa Libertadores knockout stages following a dreadful four-game winless start to their Group F campaign (D2, L2). Despite only scoring three goals in their five continental outings thus far, the visitors start this round two points adrift of second-placed Pereira. But they need to upset the apple cart in Buenos Aires and hope the Colombians won’t win at Colo Colo to progress as runners-up. That seems a bit unrealistic, given that they’ve lost both Copa Libertadores away games this season by a single-goal margin after trailing ‘to nil’ at halftime. Bringing other competitions into the equation, ‘Los Azulgranas’ have lost their last four away matches, including three without scoring.