Botafogo vs Barcelona SC: Preview and Prediction

Botafogo vs Barcelona SC
Copa Libertadores 2017, Group Stage
Date: Wednesday, 3rd May 2017
Kick-off at 1:45 UK / 2:45 CET
Venue: Estadio Olimpico Joao Havelange (Rio de Janeiro).

Botafogo and Barcelona SC stay at the top of Group 1 with 7 points each after the first three match days. The group is expected to be the trickiest or the toughest as the remaining two teams are Estudiantes and the defending Champions Atletico Nacional.

The Brazilians are expected to mount a tough challenge in the group, but the Ecuadorian Barcelona were huge underdogs. They have so far surprised everyone by picking points with an unbeaten run.

Since February, Botafogo picked 8 wins from their 10 matches at home in all competition and were beaten just twice. They scored a minimum of 2 goals in exactly 8 of those. At the same time, clean sheets were hard to come by.

Barcelona SC are struggling in the domestic league and occupy a mid-table position. The 2016 Ecuadorian champions managed 5 wins from their 11 matches, while they drew and lost 3 each. Away from home, they won 3 and lost 1 in all competitions.

Botafogo vs Barcelona SC: Head-to-head

The reverse leg played on 21st March is the only competitive meeting between the two sides. Botafogo needed a late penalty to cancel out a first half goal to earn the share of the points with a 1-1 draw.

Botafogo vs Barcelona SC: Prediction

The Brazilians are arguably the better squad in this contest, but the Ecuadorians are proving tough for teams to break down. One of the main factor that play in their part is the fact that they are starting every game as underdogs and the pressure with go directly into the more established continental rivals. This is expected to be another tricky fixture with Botafogo being slim favourites. However, we might well see Barcelona getting away with a point.