Cruzeiro can exact their revenge on Boca Juniors

Copa Libertadores
1.45am Thursday night

Boca Juniors had Cruzeiro’s measure in the first leg of their Copa Libertadores quarter-final showdown, but the return fixture in Belo Horizonte could see the roles reversed.

Boca were convincing 2-0 winners at their beloved Buenos Aires base a fortnight ago but they have lost two of their three games since and are far less reliable on their travels.

The Argentinian outfit have won only three of their last 15 on the road and they have triumphed just once in their last six away games in this competition.

Guillermo Barros Schelotto’s troops picked up one point from two meetings with Serie A leaders Palmeiras in the group stage and another clash with talented Brazilian opposition could see them found out.

Dede’s dismissal in the opening leg didn’t help Cruzeiro’s cause and it would be wise to expect a different game this time.

Cruzeiro are a formidable force on their own patch, where they have lost only two of their last 18 home games.

During that imposing run, the hosts toppled Argentinian league leaders Racing Club, who are unbeaten from seven games and six points better off than Boca Juniors, in this competition.

The visitors should expect a stiff test and, given Cruzeiro are two goals behind they have little choice but to force the initiative.

Boca Juniors have plenty of attacking quality with former Premier League players Carlos Tevez and Mauro Zarate linking up with Argentinian international Cristian Pavon.

However, they may spend more time defending with Cruzeiro chasing the game and two clean sheets in their last four home games suggests the Brazilian side can handle them.

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