Copa Libertadores 2018: Qualifying Round 2 preview and predictions
By Zach Bigalke
Third quarter of the draw
- Oriente Petrolero (Bolivia) vs. Jorge Wilstermann (Bolivia)
- Vasco da Gama (Brazil) vs. Universidad de Concepción (Chile)
In the opening qualifying round, Oriente Petrolero took down Universitario on away goals. Both teams won at home, with Oriente Petrolero claiming a 2-0 victory and then getting a critical goal in Lima in a 3-1 defeat. That score set up an all-Bolivian clash in the second stage of the qualifiers, as Oriente Petrolero prepares for a battle with Jorge Wilstermann.
The two clubs have met 30 times previously, with Oriente Petrolero holding a 13-8-9 advantage in the all-time series. Despite finishing higher on aggregate in the 2016-2017 Primera División in Bolivia, Oriente Petrolero entered this year’s Copa Libertadores a round earlier than Jorge Wilstermann after the latter finished higher in the 2017 Clausura.
The winner of the Bolivian showdown will meet either Vasco da Gama or Universidad de Concepcíon. Vasco da Gama made it into the second qualifying stage thanks to the multitude of spots allotted to Brazilian clubs, as they finished seventh in Serie A last year. Universidad de Concepción, meanwhile, is making just its second-ever appearance in the Copa Libertadores after winning the runner-up playoff in Chile.
Oriente Petrolero is on good form with a multinational attack, and should have little trouble getting past their domestic rival. In the other draw, Vasco da Gama has been on marginal form early in the Carioca campaign and could get a stern test from Universidad de Concepción. Look for veteran midfielder Hugo Droguett to have a major impact to spur the upset for the Chileans.
Aggregate predictions
- Oriente Petrolero 4, Jorge Wilstermann 2
- Universidad de Concepción 2, Vasco da Gama 2 (Universidad advance on away goals)