This 23rd edition of CONMEBOL’s ‘La Gran Conquista’ will match Serie A’s Cruzeiro against Racing Club of Avellaneda in Asuncion on November 23rd.
It will be the first such final for these clubs although both can claim past Copa Libertadores titles among their palmares.
Whereas the semi-finals of this year’s Libertadores were effectively decided after the first legs, in the Copa Sudamericana the second matches definitely proved decisive.
That was after Cruzeiro’s striker Kaio Jorge netted the only goal late in the first half at Lanus following a 1-1 draw in Belo Horizonte.
While, after sharing four goals in Sao Paulo, Racing’s Colombian Juan Fernando Quintero decided the outcome with a double at El Cilindro.
Thus Racing delayed any Brazilian dominance in this competition by knocking out Corinthians, one of the most popular clubs in South America.
So Argentina will face Brazil and that will also apply to the respective coaches, Gustavo Costas will guide Racing against his counterpart, Fernando Diniz (the ex-interim Selecao coach)
To add spice, rival Belo Horizonte teams will now fight for glory & local bragging rights in the two big continental club competitions.
As for the odds, they slightly favour Cruzeiro but a close contest is expected in Paraguay.
Analysis – John Bethell.