Boca v Cruzeiro, the routes to the Libertadores last 16 | OneFootball

Boca’s path in the Copa Libertadores became more complicated than expected after a promising start. Even though it had already been seen in the draw as the “group of death,” and predictions suggested it would not be an easy battle for Claudio Úbeda’s side, the latest back-to-back defeats left them with no margin for error heading into the final two matchdays. The first big test will be Cruzeiro this Tuesday: what do they need?

The Group D standings show Universidad Católica and Cruzeiro at the top with seven points, with the not minor detail that the Chilean side is in first place due to the head-to-head tiebreaker (they had won in Brazil). For their part, Boca sit third with six points (for now they would be eliminated), while Barcelona SC are bottom with three points.

Starting from that point, the first thing worth clarifying is that Boca depend on themselves to qualify for the Copa Libertadores round of 16, considering they will face Cruzeiro and Universidad Católica. What is the outlook?

What Boca need to qualify for the Libertadores round of 16: all possible scenarios

-They will qualify first in the group, regardless of any other result.

– If they draw with Cruzeiro and beat Universidad Católica, they qualify.

– If they beat Cruzeiro by 2 or more goals and draw with Universidad Católica, they qualify.

– If they beat Cruzeiro by one goal and draw with Universidad Católica, they qualify only if the Chilean side do not beat Barcelona. If Universidad Católica win that match, Boca will battle Cruzeiro for 2nd place on overall goal difference in the group. Boca would finish at +3, and Cruzeiro would need to beat Barcelona by a 3-goal margin to force a tiebreak on goals scored in the group, fewer red cards, fewer yellow cards, or a draw of lots, in that order.

– If they win one and lose one, to qualify in 2nd place they will need Barcelona to earn a draw against the same team Boca beat.

– If they draw both matches, they qualify in 2nd place if Barcelona beat Universidad Católica and do not beat Cruzeiro.

– If Barcelona win both, they finish 1st, and Boca, Cruzeiro, and Universidad Católica will break the tie for 2nd place by goal difference in the group, goals scored in the group, fewer red cards, fewer yellow cards, or a draw of lots, in that order.

– If Barcelona beat Cruzeiro and not Universidad Católica, or if they do not win either match, Boca will be eliminated.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.