San Diego – Club Tijuana will be facing the tournament favorites Atletico Mineiro in quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores. The Aztec dogs will once again head into a difficult challenge as underdogs, a situation that has brought them much success in their short history.
The match is scheduled for Thursday night at 5:30PM local time from the Estadio Caliente.
Atletico Mineiro probably has the strongest squad from the remaining eight teams in the Copa Libertadores. Lead by former World Champion Ronaldinho and center forward Jo, Mineiro are capable of scoring goals at any given minute. Former Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva holds the team together in the middle of the field. And in defense they have a rock solid defender in Rever.
This does not mean Xolos does not have a chance of advancing; the Xoloitzcuitles squad has thrived when faced with big challenges. The label of under-dogs has fit them well and has usually helped the team play without pressure.
When the other team is considered stronger and expected to get the win over Xolos, the Tijuana team has played more relax just like in the Palmeiras second leg match, or even in the league final against Toluca where they were crowned Mexican league champions.
The key for Club Tijuana in this series will be to get a win in the first leg at home. For this players like Duvier Riascos and Fidel Martinez will be key with their speedy counterattacks. Atletico Mineiro will have dangerous goal scoring opportunities and the Xolos will have to be well alert in defense; something Antonio Mohameds Xolos are well accustomed to.
The expected Xolos lineup for Thursday night is: Cirilo Saucedo, Juna Carlos Nuñez, Alfredo Gonzalez-Tauilan, Edgar Castillo, Cristian Pellerano, Fernando Arce, Joe Corona, Richard Ruiz, Fidel Martinez, Duvier Riascos.
jonny.rico@sandiegored.com (@jonyrico)
