Copa Libertadores Acca Tips: Athletico PR to battle back against Bolivar

The Copa Libertadores round of 16-second leg returns this week, and there’s plenty of value to be had. Athletico PR will look to overturn a 3-1 deficit at home to Bolivar, while Independiente del Valle can use their altitude advantage against Pereira.

Elsewhere, Boca will be confident of a win at La Bombonera to progress to the quarter-finals. Having landed two South American accas over the last week, don’t miss out on these midweek selections.

• Athletico PR vs Bolivar: Athletico PR -1 Handicap
• Independiente del Valle vs Pereira: Independiente del Valle -1.25 Asian Handicap
• Boca Juniors vs Nacional: Boca and Under 4.5 goals

Acca odds: 5.20

Odds via bet365 as at 21:00, 6th August 2023. Odds may now differ.

Athletico PR vs Bolivar: Brazilians to reverse La Paz damage

Brazil, Copa Libertadores, Wednesday 9th August, 01:00 (UK)

As predicted, Bolivar took full advantage of their high altitude in La Paz last week with a 3-1 victory. However, Athletico PR managed to get on the scoresheet nice and early, something Bolivar would have been fuming about.

The Bolivian outfit was also left frustrated in the second half, missing several key opportunities to put the game out of reach. A three-goal lead heading to Brazil was required if they had a realistic chance of qualifying.

The two-goal deficit is more than achievable for the Brazilians to pull back on a level playing field away from the unplayable conditions La Paz offers.

In Serie A at the weekend, Athletico PR chose to bench several key players away to Santos. Although it didn’t pay off with a 1-1 draw, having the likes of Vitor Roque fit and ready at home may prove to be worth the sacrifice.

The Barcelona-bound striker has scored three Libertadores goals – all coming at home. Likely to lead the line, Bolivar’s backline will be pulled all over the place on Wednesday, and Vitor Roque will be there to pick up the pieces. Roque is your man in this encounter if you like your goalscorer bets. Athletico’s wide pitch should play to their advantage.

Although Bolivar performed admirably in the Libertadores, a 5-1 hammering away to Palmeiras shows the gulf between Brazilian clubs and Bolivians away from the high altitude.

Last year’s finalists may well run riot if they score an early goal in a packed Ligga Arena. With an intimidating atmosphere expected, Athletico can achieve at least two without reply.

• Selection: Athletico PR -1 Handicap (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 1.65
• Bookmaker: Betfair

More Athletico PR vs Bolivar Tips

Independiente del Valle vs Pereira : Ecuadoreans to pull Pererira apart in Quito

Ecuador, Copa Libertadores, Thursday 10th August, 01:00 (UK)

Pereira managed to sneak a 1-0 victory in the first leg over the Sudamericana holders. However, back on home turf and in the sweltering hot city of Quito, Independiente del Valle can recover.
Arguably one of the most exciting teams in the competition, Independiente del Valle has proven time after time why they are the dark horses. Defeating Argentinos Jrs and Corinthians at home in the group stage while scoring three against both shows they mean business.

With Martin Anselmi at the helm, IDV has one of the best young coaches in South America, and his direct, aggressive attacking play may smother Pereira at home.

Pereira has been relatively weak in the Libertadores – only securing two victories in the group stage, with one coming against Venezuelan outfit Monagas. Having not won away from home, the Colombians will struggle to cope with the intensity of IDV’s play in high altitude conditions. A goal early may see Pereira buckle.

We saw Pereira struggle away from home in the Libertadores, switching off to concede two late goals against Boca before Monagas put them in their place in Venezuela.

With plenty of attacking quality in Lautaro Diaz, Kendry Paez and Michael Hoyos, to name a few, IDV should, at the very least, force extra time against the Colombians.

If they do, I’d recommend backing them to come out on top due to the climate and intensity Anselmi’s side will be able to maintain.

• Selection: Independiente del Valle -1.25 Asian Handicap
• Best Odds: 1.85
• Bookmaker: bet365

More Independiente del Valle vs Pereira Tips

Boca Juniors vs Nacional: Boca to utilise home advantage to squeeze past Nacional

Argentina, Copa Libertadores, Thursday 10th August, (01:00) (UK)

Boca did what was required in Uruguay and obtained a valuable result and a clean sheet to match. Back on home soil, the Argentine club should prove difficult to beat at La Bombonera.

Boca’s 0-0 draw extended their unbeaten run to nine, having won seven of those and only conceded three goals – keeping six clean sheets in the process.

It has been even better at home for Boca, who haven’t tasted defeat since mid-April. In their last ten home matches, they’ve only conceded four goals. While they didn’t blow anyone away, aside from a 4-0 win over ten-men Monagas, Boca have grown in confidence in 2023 after a poor start to their campaign.

Under Jorge Almiron, the club has gone from strength to strength, and Nacional will be kicking themselves that they couldn’t secure an advantage from the first leg.

Midfielder Alan Varela is set to join Porto, yet has announced he will play one last match at La Bombonera – a considerable boost for Almiron. It’s yet to be known whether Cavani will feature in the starting eleven, but just his presence around the squad will keep their confidence high.

The first leg was evenly poised, but La Bombonera has found its voice in recent months, and Nacional won’t enjoy the trip. Boca certainly were not on anyone’s radar, but their ability to keep clean sheets and professional defensive displays has made them highly competitive.

Backing Boca and under 4.5 goals creates a generous 1.80 bet which can hopefully complete the acca and build further profit heading into the quarter-finals.

• Selection: Boca and under 4.5 goals
• Best Odds: 1.80
• Bookmaker: Betfair

More Boca Juniors vs Nacional Tips

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