The 66th edition of the Copa Libertadores, South America’s premier club competition, kicks off with the group stage this Tuesday. Over the next two months, 32 teams will battle for a spot in the last 16, leading to the one-off final on November 29. While the venue is yet to be confirmed, Brazil’s capital, Brasilia, or Montevideo, Uruguay, are the frontrunners to host this prestigious event.
With European football fans focused on the UEFA Champions League, the Copa Libertadores offers its own unique excitement, passion, and historical significance. Here’s what to watch for in this year’s tournament.
Can Anyone End Brazil’s Dominance?
Historically, Uruguay and Argentina dominated the Copa Libertadores. However, in recent years, Brazil has taken control. Brazilian clubs have won the last six editions, with four finals featuring two teams from the country. This unprecedented dominance is fueled by the financial gap between Brazil and the rest of South America, allowing top Brazilian clubs to attract talent from across the continent.
Brazilian powerhouses Flamengo and Palmeiras often field up to five foreign players, further strengthening their squads. Argentina, with 25 titles compared to Brazil’s 24, is feeling the pressure as Brazil aims to equalize the record this year. Despite this, Argentina’s River Plate, Racing, Estudiantes, and rising club Talleres remain formidable contenders.
Other potential challengers include Colombia’s Atletico Nacional, looking stronger than since their 2016 title win, and Ecuadorian clubs such as LDU Quito, Barcelona SC (who eliminated Brazilian giants Corinthians in qualifying), and the exciting Independiente del Valle. Meanwhile, Paraguay is well represented by Olimpia, Cerro Porteño, and Libertad.
How Will the Club World Cup Impact the Libertadores?
FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup is not viewed as a burden in South America—it’s an opportunity. With prestige and financial incentives on the line, teams like River Plate, Flamengo, Palmeiras, and Botafogo are stretching their squads to compete at the highest level. However, the congested South American football calendar means teams involved in the Club World Cup may struggle with fatigue in the intense North American summer, potentially making this year’s Libertadores more unpredictable.
The Next Generation: Who Will Shine?
The Copa Libertadores has always been a platform for emerging talent, and 2024 is no different. Last year, Palmeiras introduced teenage sensation Estevao, who scored in his debut and is now set to join Chelsea after the Club World Cup. Many consider him Brazil’s most exciting prospect since Neymar.
Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle continues to produce top talent, including Chelsea-bound playmaker Kendry Paez, often compared to Phil Foden. Paez, a first-team player at 15 and Ecuador international at 16, is navigating the pressures of professional football. His teammate, 17-year-old Darwin Guagua, recently debuted for Ecuador’s national team before even making his club debut. Expect more young stars to emerge in this year’s tournament.
Experience Still Counts: Veteran Strikers Defy Age
While young stars are making waves, veteran strikers continue to thrive. Libertad’s coach faces a unique dilemma: should he start 43-year-old former Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz or 42-year-old ex-Benfica target man Oscar Cardozo?
The tournament also saw Boca Juniors, featuring ex-Manchester United players Ander Herrera, Marcos Rojo, and Edinson Cavani, crash out in the qualifiers. Meanwhile, Alianza Lima’s attack featured 40-year-old Hernan Barcos and Peru’s all-time top scorer, 41-year-old Paolo Guerrero, proving that age is just a number in South America’s most prestigious club competition.
From teenage prodigies to veteran legends, the Copa Libertadores remains a tournament where anything is possible. Stay tuned as the action unfolds!
