Club Tijuana vs Atletico Mineiro
Football: Copa Libertadores
Match date: May 24, 2013 - Kick Off Time: 1:30 AM BST
Venue: Estadio Caliente — Tijuana
Referee: H. Buitrago
Club Tijuana are a very young club in Mexico but have all the right infrastructure to go far. They have a single league Mexico Apertura victory from 2012 to their name. Tijuana have not had a good Clausera, indeed they finished 10 of 18 teams with 6 wins, 3 draws and 8 defeats. Struggling away from home for the majority of the closing season.Tijuana have been a revelation in this year’s Copa Libertadores however. With a record of 5 wins, 2 draws and 1 defeat, they remain undefeated at home so far and indeed have yet to concede a goal despite facing up to the likes of Corinthians, Palmeiras and Millionares. Key men of Xolos are attacking midfielder Fernando Arce, winger Fidel Martinez and defensive mainstay Javier Gandolfini. Missing this game with a suspension is Pablo Aguilar.
Atletico Mineiro have experienced great success in the
local state Minas Gerais championship (winning 42 titles) but have only
managed the 1 win in Brazil Serie A. Mineiro have not had the best of
years until recently. Finishing 2 in 1999 was their only
decent finish until last year. In 2012 with a fine squad assembled they
challenged for the title for most of the long season. Fluminense
prevailed in the end but Mineiro more than matched them. Mineiro in this
seasons Minas Gerais state championsip have had a good warm up. In a
weak regional section were only eternal rivals Cruzeiro challenges them
they finished at champions again with an overall record of 12 wins, 0
draws and 3 defeats. Including in this run was a sequence of 8
consecutive home wins. In Copa Libertadores this season Atletico Mineiro
without a doubt have been the most impressive side so far. With 7 wins,
0 draws and 1 defeat they have breezed through the tournament scoring
22 and conceding 11. They have a very dangerous squad with Ronaldinho
turning back the clock and totally dominating games. Accompanied by
tournament top scorer Jo and assisted by crack striker Diego Tardelli
and backed up with the exciting midfielder Bernard. Mineiro will be
missing full back Richarlyson is missing but back up defender Julio
Cesar is for me the better player.