The 21st edition of the Copa Sudamericana opens with local clashes

Without the mystique of the Copa Libertadores de América, but with a growing tradition that already reaches 21 editions, the Copa Sudamericana-2022, the second continental club tournament in importance of Conmebol It begins to be disputed from Tuesday.

Intimate enemies in their respective leagues, the first phase, which will run until March 17, contemplate direct elimination crosses in round-trip matches between clubs from the same country, without the presence of those from Argentina and Brazil, who will start their participation from the group stage (April 5 to May 26).

In this first phase 32 clubs distributed in 16 keys will be in action, among them the former South American champions Cienciano from Peru (2003) and Liga de Quito (2009), and the Colombian Junior from Barranquilla, finalist in 2018.

In the group stage there will be 32 clubs, the 16 classified from the first round, 6 from Argentina and 6 from Brazil, and the 4 losers from the third phase of the Copa Libertadores-2022.

The champion of the tournament, who will end on October 1 in a single match to be played at the Mané Garrincha stadium in Brasilia, they will play the Recopa Sudamericana-2023 against the champion of the Copa Libertadores-2022, and will win a place in the group stage of the Copa Libertadores-2023.

Reviewing history, the bets for the title of the twenty-first edition of the Cup once again point to the main teams of the two South American powers.

Not in vain, Argentines and Brazilians maintain an absolute supremacy in the competitioninaugurated in 2002. Between formations of both countries they have won 14 of the 20 editions of the contest. (D)

first leg matches

Tuesday:

In Mérida: Mérida Students (VEN) – Metropolitan (VEN)

In Santa Cruz: Royal Pari (BOL) – Oriente Petrolero (BOL)

In Cusco: Cienciano (PER) – Melgar (PER)

In Chillán: Ñublense (CHI) – Union La Calera (CHI)

Wednesday:

In Asuncion: Sun of America (PAR) – General Caballero (PAR)

In Montevideo: Liverpool (URU) – River Plate (URU)

In Ambato: Mushuc Runa (ECU) – Quito League (ECU)

In Huancayo: Ayacucho (PER) – Sport Boys (PER)

In Medellin: Independent Medellin (COL) – America de Cali (COL)

Thursday:

In Santiago: Spanish Union (CHI) – Antofagasta (CHI)

In Asunción: National (PAR) – Guaireña (PAR)

In Barinas: Colmenarez Brothers (VEN) – Deportivo La Guaira (VEN)

In Cochabamba: Jorge Wilstermann (BOL) – Guabirá (BOL)

In Bogota: Equity (COL) – Junior (COL)

In Manta: Dolphin (ECU) – October 9 (ECU)

In Montevideo: Wanderers (URU) – Cerro Largo (URU)