Botafogowho are on the rise after continental and domestic success, are the favorites to compete against to emerge victorious Pachuca in the second round match of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup on Wednesday at Stadium 974.

The Brazilian team is eight games unbeaten in all competitions heading into the Derby of the Americas and will be looking to extend that run against the CONCACAF Champions Cup winners.

Game preview

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As soon as the ticker for winning the first ever Copa Libertadores was out, Botafogo ended a 29-year wait for success in the top division at the weekend. and secured their first Brasileiro title since 1995.

I want to keep the motivation for a possible final with Real Madrid, Arthur JorgeBarcelona’s men want to refocus to avoid a surprise exit against their Mexican opponents on Wednesday.

That possibility is far from certain for the three-time Brazilian champions, who still need to beat African champions Al Ahly in the playoff round if they can get past Pachuca.

Fogo enters the Derby of the Americas in fine form, highlighted by an eight-game unbeaten streak in all competitions. The Libertadores’ only defeat in this period came in the semi-final second leg against Penarol (1-3), after winning the first leg in Rio de Janeiro 5-0.

This defeat is the only one Jorge’s men have suffered since early August, a 3-2 league defeat against Juventude, and they will be betting on themselves to avoid losing a ninth game in a row against out-of-form opponents.

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Pachuca’s disappointing results make them clear underdogs against the Brazilian champions Guillermo AlmadaBarcelona’s men have claimed one win in eight Apertura games since the end of September, a 6-2 win over Necaxa in early November and two triumphs in 15 competitions since the start of August.

Of particular concern for the CONCACAF champions is their inability to keep clean sheets, as Tuzos has failed to stop his opponents from scoring in 17 consecutive games.

The last time the Mexicans kept a clean sheet was against Atlético San Luis in mid-July, after a goalless game against Leon, breaking a series in which they prevented their opponents from scoring in three of four points Then at both ends the wheels of Almada men.

Pachuca secured wins over Philadelphia Union (6-0 overall), Herediano (7-1), Club America (3-2) and Columbus Crew (3-0) in the round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and CONCACAF finals Champions Cup to secure their place in the Intercontinental Cup and The revamped Club World Cup will take place next year with 32 teamsbut a miserable run in the first place leaves the Mexican team at a disadvantage against O Glorioso on Wednesday.

Botafogo form (all competitions):

Pachuca form (all competitions):

Team news

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Bastos Due to a muscle injury, Botafogo missed the end of the league season and the central defender could be replaced Matheus Nascimento, Pablo (both have problems with the thigh muscles) and Vitinho (Knee).

Jefferson Savarino, Igor Jesus and Hero of the Libertadores Luiz Henrique All of them scored four game-winning goals in the triumphant season in the top division – and that was just Pablo Vegetati, Pedro And Jose Manuel Lopez (five) – and the trio wants to be decisive against weak opponents.

Pachuca will judge Gustavo Cabral ahead of Wednesday’s game, although the Mexican team is expected to play without Israel Luna And Andres Micolta.

Although he hasn’t scored since a hat-trick in the 6-2 win over Necaxa in November, he is an experienced striker Salomon Rondon should lead the attack of Almada’s side and look to make a decisive impact against the Libertadores champions.

Botafogo possible starting lineup:
John; Ponte, Adryelson, Barboza, Telles; Gregor, Freitas; Henrique, Savarinho, Almada; Jesus

Possible Pachuca starting lineup:
Moreno; Sanchez, Barreto, Patino, Gonzalez; Pedraza, Montiel; Deossa, Gonzalez, Idrissi; Rondon

We say: Botafogo 3-1 Pachuca

While Wednesday is an opportunity for Pachuca to impress a Botafogo side who are on the rise after recent successes, O Glorioso are not only a superior side but also go into this Derby of the Americas game in healthier form.

As a result, the Brazilian team should secure a comfortable win and secure a place in the playoffs with Egyptian giants Al Ahly.

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