Boca bite, River roar as Libertadores groups take shape
Boca Juniors and River Plate made it two wins from two, while the South American groups tightened after a dozen Copa Libertadores matches.
On Thursday, 13 March, Club Atlético Boca Juniors beat Universidad de Chile 2-1, keeping their perfect start intact. It was the sharpest statement in a round that also saw Club Atlético River Plate hold off Audax Italiano 3-2, and Club Atlético Independiente and Club Olimpia each win by the same scoreline.
There were six matches on Friday, 13 March, and six across Wednesday and Thursday. Club Atlético Peñarol beat Club Bolívar 2-1; Club Cerro Porteño and Club Ferro Carril Oeste shared a 2-2 draw. On Wednesday, 12 March, Asociación Deportivo Cali won 1-0 at Club Real Potosí, while Zamora Fútbol Club and Club Nacional de Football drew 1-1. Club Independiente del Valle added a 1-0 win at São Paulo Futebol Clube. Palmeiras beat Club Deportes Tolima S.A. 2-0, SPT edged Club Libertad 2-1, and BPB and Atlético Mineiro finished 1-1.
The tables show how little room there is for a poor next matchday. In Group F, River Plate and Olimpia both have six points, with Audax Italiano and JUV yet to take any. Group H is similarly stark: Boca lead on six, Universidad de Chile have three, and BPB and Atlético Mineiro have one apiece. Independiente lead Group G with six, two ahead of Peñarol.
Elsewhere, Asociación Deportivo Cali have started Group C with two wins, while Club Independiente del Valle head Group D on four points. Palmeiras lead Group E, also on four, with Ferro Carril Oeste and Cerro Porteño still close behind. Two matches into the group stage, the standings are beginning to set the terms for what comes next: leaders can press their advantage, but several chases remain tightly packed.