This Saturday, the 64th edition of Copa Libertadores will reach its climax at Maracanã, where Boca Juniors will face off against Fluminense. Despite being designated a neutral venue in Rio de Janeiro, Maracanã holds special significance for Fluminense, making it far from a neutral ground. Anticipated to host 110,000 passionate fans, either inside the stadium or at the bustling fan zone on Copacabana beach, the atmosphere promises to be electrifying. To delve deeper into the upcoming match, check out OnlineSportsBetting.net's prediction for Boca Juniors vs Fluminense, along with insights into betting odds and statistics from previous Copa Libertadores winners.
- Club Atlético Boca Juniors vs Fluminense Football Club, Copa Libertadores final
- November 4, 2023
- 4 PM EST
- Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- beIN Sports
Boca Juniors vs Fluminense: Who do Sportsbooks Favor?
Despite being the official hosts, Boca Juniors face the challenge of traveling across borders to play at Fluminense, a crucial factor influencing the betting odds. Fluminense emerges as the favorites in the Copa Libertadores final, with odds of (+118) available at the reputable online sportsbook MyBookie. In the event of Boca Juniors' triumph, bettors stand to gain an impressive 3:1 payout, equivalent to (+300). A draw is also considered a likely outcome, reflected in the current line of (+245), a figure that seldom drops below (+260).
To better understand the 3-way moneyline (1X2) market, see our soccer betting tips and learn to make bets online.
In this scenario, following a tie through the standard 90 minutes of play and any added stoppage time, the match will extend into two 15-minute extra time periods before a possible penalty shootout. Unlike a double-leg tie (home-and-home series), this single match on Saturday will determine the champion, with the victorious team lifting the coveted Copa Libertadores trophy.
Will Boca Tie Copa Libertadores Winners Record?
Boca Juniors, a revered South American club, boasts an impressive record of 6 Copa Libertadores trophies. This has made them one of hte most well-known and celebrated teams on the continent. A victory on Saturday would draw them level with Independiente for the highest number of wins in the tournament's history. This win could also break the recent dominance of Brazilian teams in the competition, a streak unbroken since Boca's last triumph in 2018 when they faced their Argentine rivals, River Plate.
Conversely, Fluminense stands as one of South America's most prestigious clubs yet to claim the coveted trophy. Despite numerous record-breaking seasons, they have been unable to secure the title. However, this match presents them with a chance to reverse their fortunes, marking only their second appearance in a Copa Libertadores final. Their previous attempt in 2008 ended in a heartbreaking penalty kick shootout loss to Liga de Quito.
The stakes are high, with the winners not only earning glory but also a substantial prize of $18 million, a stark contrast to the $7 million awarded to the runners-up. Moreover, the victors will gain direct entry into the FIFA Club World Cup semi-finals, scheduled to occur in Saudi Arabia on December 18. In this international arena, the South American champions will face off against either Al Ahli, Al Ittihad, or Auckland City, providing them with an opportunity to showcase their talent on a global scale.
Head-to-Head Matchups and Recent Form
This upcoming fixture between Boca Juniors and Fluminense marks the seventh encounter between the two teams, with the outcome poised to break the current deadlock. Both sides have secured two victories each, with the remaining matches ending in draws.
Despite their success in the Copa Libertadores, both clubs have faced challenges in their domestic leagues. Boca Juniors currently sit at the 10th spot in Group B. They have managed only three wins in the first 11 games of the second phase of the Primera Division. Their struggles are evident, having won just once in regulation time since September 19, a span of nine games.
Similarly, Fluminense finds themselves in the 8th position in Serie A, potentially marking their poorest finish since 2019 if their standing remains unchanged. Their recent form is concerning, having won only once in their last five matches.
In the crucial upcoming match, Boca Juniors will be without their captain, Marcos Rojo, who received a red card in the second leg of the semi-final. Possible replacements for Rojo include Nicolas Valentini and Bruno Valdez. Additionally, the team will miss the presence of Exequiel Zeballos, who sustained an ACL injury recently.
Boca Juniors vs Fluminense Prediction and Free Betting Pick
Predicting the outcome of this match is challenging, given the contrasting performances of both teams in the Copa Libertadores compared to their domestic leagues. Boca Juniors have relied on a solid defense and effective penalty kicks to reach the final. However, they face the absence of their captain and top defender, Rojo, and the challenge of playing in a hostile pro-Brazilian atmosphere.
The performance of the goalkeepers will play a crucial role. Fluminense's Fabio started his career alongside Ronaldinho in 1997. He will stand against Boca's goalkeeper, Sergio Romero, the most capped goalkeeper in Argentina national team history.
Given the uncertainties and the teams' tendencies to engage in physical play leading to penalty shootouts, picking a side is difficult. Opting for a draw in regulation time seems like a wise choice. Whether it's a goalless draw, a 1-1 tie, or even a 2-2 score, it's unlikely either side will dominate. With odds at (+245), which some books already offer as low as (+205), choosing a draw provides excellent value. This matchup could very well culminate in another thrilling penalty kick shootout, featuring two of South America's legendary goalkeepers.
Odds are accurate at the time of writing but are subject to change.
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