Copa Libertadores Preview: Bolivar Unbeaten at Home in the High Altitude, Flamengo’s Star Striker Absent

On August 23 at 8:30 PM, the second leg of the Copa Libertadores Round of 16 will see Bolivian team Bolivar host Flamengo at the Hernando Siles Stadium in La Paz. In the first leg, Bolivar suffered a 0-2 defeat away from home.

The high-altitude home ground of Bolivar is known as the “highest major stadium on Earth.” Playing at an altitude of over 3,500 meters, Bolivar has impressive results, winning 18 and drawing 5 out of their last 23 home matches, remaining unbeaten. In the past year and a half, they have played 8 home games in the Copa Libertadores, winning 7 and losing 1, with the only loss being a 0-1 defeat to Internacional of Brazil, demonstrating their formidable home advantage.

Bolivar’s recent form has been mediocre. After losing in the Copa Libertadores, they drew against a weak opponent in the league, which can be partly attributed to their significant rotation of players in preparation for the decisive Copa Libertadores match.

Flamengo’s recent form has also been poor, with 1 win, 1 draw, and 3 losses in their last 5 matches across all competitions. The Brazilian side has lost three consecutive away games against Sao Paulo, Palmeiras (in the cup), and Botafogo. Focusing solely on Copa Libertadores matches, Flamengo has not won any of their 6 away games in the past year and a half, recording 3 draws and 3 losses.

Head-to-head statistics show that in the last 5 encounters over the past 10 years, both teams have won 2 matches and drawn 1. Of the 2 matches played at Bolivar’s home, Flamengo lost both, with scores of 0-1 and 1-2.

In terms of squad availability, Bolivar has a relatively complete lineup. Flamengo, however, will be without forwards Barbosa, Pedro Guilherme, winger Everton, and left-back Reinaldo due to injuries. Pedro Guilherme, who has scored 29 goals and provided 8 assists in 42 appearances across all competitions this season, is the team’s top scorer.

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