Athletico PR vs. Racing (Friday, 1.30am)
© Imago
The opening fixtures in the 2024 Copa Sudamericana quarter-finals conclude on Thursday, with Athletico Paranaense hosting Racing Club at Arena de Baixada.
In the previous round of this tournament, the Brazilians eliminated Belgrano 4-1 on aggregate, while El Primer Grande had no trouble with Huachipato, eliminating them by an aggregate score of 8-1.
We say: Athletico Paranaense 2-1 Racing Club
After such a convincing victory in their previous Copa Sudamericana affair, we believe Racing may be knocked down a peg against El Paranaense, who know what it is like to go deep into a competition like this and should provide much stiffer competition for the Argentines than Huachipato.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Libertad vs. Cruzeiro (Friday, 1.30am)
© Imago
Making their first-ever appearance in the quarter-finals of the Copa Sudamericana, Cruzeiro travel to Estadio Defensores del Chaco on Thursday to face Club Libertad in the opening leg of that tie.
The Paraguayans advanced from the previous round on penalties versus Sportivo Ameliano (4-3), with Celeste doing the same thing in their tie with Boca Juniors (5-4).
We say: Club Libertad 0-0 Cruzeiro
It has not been an easy path to the quarter-finals for either side, and given Cruzeiro's inexperience at this stage, along with the lack of consistent quality from the home side, we expect chances will be at a premium for this opening fixture.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Ben Knapton
