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The COPA LIBERTADORES continues this Wednesday, April 8, with MatchDay 2 action across South America. After an opening week full of surprises, here are the top games to watch—plus odds and analysis for the key matchups in South America's premier club tournament.
Estudiantes (ARG) vs. Universidad de Chile (CHI) – Group 1
Group 1 features a clash between two early winners. Estudiantes de La Plata opened their campaign with a convincing 2-0 win over Venezuela’s Carabobo, with goals from Santiago Nunez and Ascacibar.
Universidad de Chile shocked favorites Botafogo with a home victory and now head to Argentina for a tougher test. Estudiantes will host the match at Estadio Ciudad de La Plata, kicking off at 8:30 p.m. EST.
The Argentine side enters as -133 favorites.
River Plate (ARG) vs. Barcelona SC (ECU) – Group 2
River Plate faces Barcelona SC on Wednesday at El Monumental in Buenos Aires. Both clubs secured wins in their openers, making this a pivotal early test in a tightly contested group.
Barcelona impressed in Week 1, but River—one of the tournament's giants—is heavily favored at -233 to take control of Group 2.
Nacional (URU) vs. Bahia (BRA)
Internacional (BRA) vs. Atlético Nacional (COL) – Group 6
Group 6, labeled the “Group of Death,” brings high drama this week.
Nacional of Uruguay looks to rebound after a 3-0 defeat to Atlético Nacional. The Montevideo club hasn't won since mid-March and recently lost to a lower-tier opponent in domestic play. Bahia, part of the City Football Group, managed only a draw against Santos midweek.
Both clubs are rated with a 37% win probability, making this one of MatchDay 2’s most evenly matched fixtures.
In the second Group 6 matchup, Internacional—arguably Brazil’s most in-form team—hosts Atlético Nacional. Despite a dominant opening win, the Colombian side enters as clear underdogs at +600. Both teams come into the clash off weekend victories, adding momentum to this high-stakes encounter.
Palmeiras (BRA) vs. Cerro Porteño (PAR) – Group 7
Palmeiras, set to represent Brazil in the FIFA Club World Cup later this year, is aiming to shake off a shaky stretch. The São Paulo side edged Sporting Cristal 3-2 in Peru last week but has faced growing pressure and criticism amid inconsistent play.
Cerro Porteño, meanwhile, exploded for a 4-2 win over Bolívar in Week 1. With both teams showing attacking firepower, Thursday's match at Allianz Parque promises goals.
Palmeiras is heavily favored at -345, but a convincing performance at home will be key to calming the waters—especially with coach Abel Ferreira under increasing scrutiny.
Olimpia (PAR) vs. Vélez Sarsfield (ARG) – Group 8
One of the week’s most unpredictable matchups features Olimpia trying to recover from a shocking 3-2 loss to Bolivian debutants San Antonio Bulo-Bulo. The defeat was a blow for bettors, as Olimpia closed as -167 favorites.
Vélez Sarsfield, meanwhile, impressed with a 2-1 win over Nacional (URU), considered the favorite in Group 8. With both teams battling inconsistency in 2025, this contest is wide open—and one of the most intriguing to watch.
Olimpia will enter the game as a +163 favorite against Velez's +175.
