A place within the best eight teams in the Americas will be in play when the Xoloitzcuitles travel to Sao Paulo and take on Palmeiras. With their short existence, a place in the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores would definitely be one of the biggest accomplishments of the Xolos.
The match is scheduled for Tuesday, May 14 at 10:00 PM local time (6:00 PM pacific) from the Paulo Machado de Carvalho stadium; more famously known as Pacaembu.
The first leg of this series took place in Tijuana were the Xolos and Palmeiras drew 0-0 in spite of the constant pressure by the home side. Another 0-0 draw would send the tie into penalty shoot-out; any other draw favors the visiting Xolos.
Palmeiras will be the team obligated to go out and search for the win. The Xoloitzcuitles will be able to hold back and play a little more cautiously. This style of play has always benefited the Tijuana side who were able to win the Mexican championship this way.
Xolos manger Antonio Mohamed has had over a week of rest and preparation for his squad since their last competitive match; which was a 4-0 win over Chivas of Guadalajara in the final game of the regular season in the Liga MX.
Mohamed will have all of the squad at his disposable, the probable lineup on Tuesday night will be:
Cirilo Saucedo, Juan Carlos Nuñez, Javier Gandolfi, Pablo Aguilar, Edgar Castillo, Cristian Pellerano, Fernando Arce, Joe Corona, Richard Ruiz, Fidel Martinez, and Duvier Riascos.
Mohamed stated in the press conference following the match against Chivas that the Orly sure starter in Brazil would be Richard Ruiz; who has been playing at a high level and has impressed the manager.
Destiny awaits the Xolos on Tuesday night as they look to become one of the best eight teams in the Americas.
jonny.rico@sandiegored.com
