The Sharks have three group stage games and more challenges to come.
Junior vs Universitario – Copa Libertadores
Photo: Luis Acosta / AFP
By:
Andres Rocha Florez
April 24, 2024, 12:03 am m.
A blow against Botafogo in Brazil was to no avail as Junior had not done his homework in the Copa Libertadores, conceding four points and leaving him in an embarrassing position. Final extension of group D.
After a 1-1 draw against Liga de Quito in Barranquilla, Junior reached five points in the table and although they are still in first place, the group has tightened and now they are forced to add wins to get back on track.
Further
Libertadores Cup
The junior has three more games to play at the Libertadores, two of which will be consecutive visitors, with Universitario and Liga de Quito rivals to be beaten precisely in the only games in which he has conceded points at home.
In addition, they have to host Botafogo in Barranquilla on the last day and, of course, the Brazilians will win to regain the ground lost on the first day against the Sharks.
Overall, the junior is in contention for 9 points in this group stage and if he wins all three games, he will reach the classification as he will reach 14 points, enough to advance to the round of 16.
However, the task will not be easy due to two consecutive away games and if they draw or lose in the visits to Peru and Ecuador, the outlook will become more difficult.
If Junior draws against Universitario, it will add 6 points, and they will have to wait for LTU to lose or tie with Botafogo, because the Ecuadorians will not make a big difference in the table, then the Sharks will go to Quito. , where they must win or at least add a point , but they must believe that the Peruvians will not add the victory against the Brazilians and in practice the final classification will be at home against 'Focao', forced to win.
Losing both away matches is a very complicated situation as they need to beat Botafogo to reach the maximum 8 points, Junior will be left with practically no options as the Ecuadorian and Peruvian could overtake them if they win. Even if they leave, they can score points when they face each other.
