I PREDICT… a tough match in Mexico.

By: Mauro | April 7th, 2008

Atlas de Guadalajara vs. Boca Juniors (Estadio Jalisco, Guadalajara, Mexico)

Defending champs Boca travel to Mexico in search of the 3 points that just might help them advance into the following round of competition. Boca are still missing star midfielder Juan Roman Riquelme but have found a very competent back up in Leandro Gracian, who has stepped up and not only helped out the midfield but has put on his Riquelme-cape and scored a couple of really nice, highlight worthy goals.

Keep in mind that Boca have to travel to Mexico in what is one of the longer flights in this tournament as well as coming off an unimpressive draw away to Banfield at the weekend. Boca are in a tight spot since Colo Colo could pass them on points should they manage a win at home against group minnows UA Maracaibo so a win tomorrow night is important.

Boca will have only one more match and fortunately for them its at home against group bottom dwellers, UA Maracaibo who have very little chances of picking up points since their last two matches are away. To add to their woes, Boca will also be without, Hugo Ibarra, Pablo Ledesma, Gabriel Paletta an just recently Fabián Monzón.

Atlas look to defend their grounds and the three points that would help them qualify for the next round. Atlas have been far from impressive (and so have Boca, I’m not blind to that fact) but look to avenge their away loss to Boca.

Bruno Marioni came out in the press today and spoke of how his ex-teammates at Boca are not just Riquelme and 10 other players but that they harbor many other weapons as well despite the star playmaker’s absence. Atlas are also counting on their best players, goalkeeper Rodrigo Bava, defender Diego Colotto and striker Bruno Marioni to make up a strong vertebral column for the squad. They’ll also be able to count on Ulises Mendivil who was injured for their last Libertadores match.

Bottom line: Atlas need to get a win but so do Boca. Honestly, this will be one of the more hotly contested matches of the week. I see this one ending in a draw. My pick: 1-1. This result will force us to keep an eye on the coachless team of Colo Colo as they host UA Maracaibo on Thursday.

As always check here for scores, standings and coming matches.

Also, this match is on FSE @ 4:30pm PST. Don’t miss it. If you can’t watch, follow it here.