Talleres vs São Paulo Prediction: Expect a balanced duel between Argentinians and Brazilians

It's one of the most exciting fixtures in the first round of the Copa Libertadores group stage. Talleres de Córdoba, currently second in the Primera División, and São Paulo, who won the Supercopa do Brasil this year, will face off. "The T" is on a seven-game unbeaten streak, which means São Paulo's task will be difficult. Barcelona from Ecuador and Cobresal from Chile are the other teams in Group B looking to counter the favorites Talleres and São Paulo.

The Córdoba side finished second in the Argentinian league last season. This year, as I said earlier, Talleres is also in second place, which shows the quality of the Blue & White team. In the Copa Libertadores, the best result the club achieved was to make it to the quarter-finals in 2022, where it was eliminated by Vélez Sarsfield, another Argentinian side. Qualifying for the next round in this edition is undoubtedly Talleres' goal, and the points secured at the Mario Kempes stadium will be essential. 

The Tricolor has won the Copa Libertadores on three occasions, most recently in 2005 in a two-legged final against Athletico Paranaense. Five Brazilian clubs have won three Copa Libertadores, and São Paulo, like the other past winners, wants to be the first to win a fourth trophy. The Paulistas were eliminated by Talleres in 2019 in the second qualifying round of the Copa Libertadores, thus missing out on the group stage. It was the poorest showing ever for São Paulo in South America's biggest competition, so this rematch with Talleres has that added interest. A draw for the Brazilians in this game would be an acceptable result.

Talleres is in good form and hasn't lost in seven matches, coming into this Copa Libertadores opener with confidence. São Paulo has not competed for two weeks following a quarter-final defeat to Série B side Novorizontino. The Brazilian team may lack some competitive rhythm in Argentina, which leads me to lean towards a draw or a Talleres victory. I'm betting on a Double Chance for the home team with a maximum of three goals scored in the game.