Fluminense Face América de Cali in High-Stakes Sudamericana Showdown
The stage is set in Cali, Colombia, where Fluminense will step into the Estadio Pascual Guerrero for the first leg of their Copa Sudamericana round-of-16 clash against América de Cali. It’s a meeting between two sides with very different paths to this point — and both know the margins here will be razor-thin.
Fluminense, the reigning Copa Libertadores champions, earned their spot directly in the knockout phase by topping Group F with 13 points. That top finish also gives them the advantage of deciding the tie at home in the second leg. Their continental form has been sharp, winning their last two Sudamericana matches without conceding a goal. Still, recent domestic action has brought a couple of draws, including a wild 3-3 against Bahia, so defensive concentration will be key.
Also Read:- Marlins Face Guardians in Tight August Showdown
- Wings Surge Past Fever in Final Regular-Season Showdown
On the other side, América de Cali arrive with momentum of a different kind. They finished second in Group C — unbeaten, with one win and five draws — before eliminating Bahia 2-0 on aggregate in the playoffs. The Colombians have shown a knack for grinding out results, with six of their last seven Sudamericana games ending in a draw. That resilience, combined with a passionate home crowd, could make them tricky opponents.
For América de Cali, coach Diego Raimondi will rely on a 4-2-3-1 setup. Most of the regular starters are available, although midfielder Eder Balanta will be missed due to a hip injury. His absence leaves a gap in physical presence in midfield, but the team’s attacking options, including Ramos up front and Carrascal pulling strings in midfield, remain intact.
Fluminense’s Renato Gaúcho has opted for changes after resting several starters in their last domestic game. Samuel Xavier, Manoel, Hércules, Martinelli, Canobbio, Serna, and Everaldo all return to the starting XI. Notably, recent signing Luciano Acosta will start on the bench, ready to be called upon if needed. However, the squad is not without setbacks — veteran defender Thiago Silva, playmaker Yeferson Soteldo, and several others are sidelined with injuries, forcing tactical flexibility.
The match is expected to be tight, with América’s defensive stubbornness facing Fluminense’s technical flair. While the Colombians will want to seize a first-leg advantage, they’ll also know the danger of conceding against a side boasting the creativity of Ganso and the scoring instincts of German Cano. Fluminense, meanwhile, will be aiming to control possession, silence the home fans early, and set themselves up for the decisive return leg in Brazil.
Kick-off is set for Tuesday, August 12, at 9:30 PM Brasília time (8:30 PM ET), and all eyes will be on whether this opening chapter delivers a breakthrough — or if the drama will be saved for the second leg. Either way, this Sudamericana tie promises intensity, skill, and a few twists before it’s decided.
Read More:
0 Comments