- Barcelona SC’s energetic, proactive play should suit them better at home than Cruzeiro’s more controlled, cautious approach
- Barcelona SC have conceded very few goals in their Libertadores qualifying matches and advanced.
- Barcelona SC are second in Ecuador’s LigaPro after taking 12 points from their recent matches, one point behind the league leaders.
Intriguing clash of styles as two in-form teams meet
Two of South America’s most traditional clubs come head-to-head for the first time in Copa Libertadores competition when Barcelona SC Guayaquil take on Cruzeiro MG in Group D. The Barcelona SC Guayaquil vs Cruzeiro MG prediction is that the hosts should justify support to take the win in what may be a low-scoring match.
César Farías has done a fantastic job at Barcelona SC, where his organised, transition-based style has the team playing some impressive soccer. They have shown a solid defensive structure, not conceding too many goals and gritting out victories during the Libertadores qualifiers, which included a Barcelona SC Guayaquil vs Cruzeiro MG prediction win away at Botafogo.
They come into this clash on the back of key domestic victories - including a 2-0 away win over LDU Quito. It is no surprise then that they are second in the Ecuadorian LigaPro, one point behind the leaders.
Hosts have momentum with them
Kaio Jorge, Cruzeiro’s in-form striker who is a physical presence and scored the only goal in their recent 1-0 win over city rivals Atlético Mineiro to clinch the Campeonato Mineiro title, can be a threat. But according to this Barcelona SC Guayaquil vs Cruzeiro MG preview, Cruzeiro’s style of play has changed since Artur Jorge took over in late March.
The coach has instilled a controlled, pragmatic approach with an emphasis on keeping the shape and making transitions. Their state championship campaign was marked by both high-pressure success and some turbulence.
Milton Céliz, a proven match-winner for Barcelona in the Libertadores, scored the decisive goal against Botafogo in the qualifiers with a cool finish and, with Darío Benedetto at the other end of the field, they have some good goalscorers and vocal leaders on the pitch.
Visitors will try to keep it tight
Cruzeiro will try to stop the flow of the game and look to punish Barcelona on the break, which should make it an interesting tactical clash. Matheus Pereira and Gerson are good players who can provide the creativity and link-up play to make that happen, but Barcelona’s momentum should see them home in this Group D opener.
The intense atmosphere in Estadio Monumental and hot, humid conditions of Guayaquil should suit Barcelona more than Cruzeiro, who won the Mineiro title through one of the most dramatic state finals in recent memory.
Barça have conceded very few goals in the Libertadores qualifiers and LigaPro, and, with goalkeeper José David Contreras a ‘wall’, we cannot see the visitors scoring on Wednesday. Our Barcelona SC Guayaquil vs Cruzeiro MG prediction is to back the hosts to edge a narrow win in a low-scoring game, although the odds for Under 2.5 goals might be shorter than some would like. For more insight, the Barcelona SC Guayaquil vs Cruzeiro MG betting tips suggest backing a tight home win as the best value option.
