Flamengo vs Bolívar Prediction: The two teams meet again

Flamengo and Bolívar were opponents in the Copa Libertadores group stage, and fate has brought them together again. Surprisingly, the Bolivians won Group E with 13 points, while the Brazilians finished second with 10 points. Bolívar beat Flamengo 2-1 at home but suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat at the Maracanã.

Ronaldo Nazário, the former Brazil national team star, considered Flamengo the main favorite to win the Copa Libertadores. The Phenomenon also mentioned Palmeiras, São Paulo, and River Plate as possible winners. These statements from one of the most relevant players in history will motivate the Flamengo squad even more. The Scarlet-Black drew 1-1 at home to champion Palmeiras in the last round of the Brasileirão and will face rival and leader Botafogo next weekend. Flamengo is in third place, and this is a crucial week for the club. Tite's side must beat Bolívar and then prepare for the derby against Botafogo.

The King of Cups leads the Torneo Clausura of the Bolivian league with two more points than rival The Strongest. In the previous game, Bolívar beat Jorge Wilstermann 2-0, with both goals coming in the final minutes. The Sky Blues have never won the Copa Libertadores. The best the Bolivians have managed was reaching the semi-finals twice, in 1986 and 2014. The appearance in the Copa Sudamericana final in 2004 was the highest point in the club's history, but Boca Juniors lifted the trophy. It will be very complicated for Bolívar to eliminate Flamengo, but the Celeste could cause problems for the Brazilians, especially playing in La Paz, at 3640 meters of altitude.

Flamengo is the favorite in the knockout round and should win the game at the Maracanã. The Mengão squad is full of talented players who can decide the match even on a bad day. Bolívar is strong at home but will struggle in Brazil. The odds for a Flamengo victory are extremely low, so I'll add a maximum of four goals scored in the match to the bet.