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Fluminense
Copa Libertadores | Group Stage
Jun 28, 2023 at 1am UK
Estadio Jornalista Mario Filho
Sporting Cristal

Fluminense
1 - 1
Cristal

Cano (22')
Xavier (60'), Cano (75')
FT(HT: 1-1)
Brenner (37')
Loyola (26'), Castillo (28'), Hohberg (56'), Yotun (75'), Diaz (89')

Preview: Fluminense vs. Sporting Cristal - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Wednesday's Copa Libertadores clash between Fluminense and Sporting Cristal, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Fluminense and Sporting Cristal meet in their final group stage game of the Copa Libertadores on Wednesday with everything still to play for.

Both teams could end up qualifying to the next round, while either could technically end up coming out of the competition in its entirety.


Match preview

Fluminense's German Cano celebrates scoring their second goal on April 5, 2023© Reuters

Fluminense head into this match knowing that they are in the driving seat of Group D in the Copa Libertadores as they find themselves in first place.

However, due to how tight it is, a defeat on Wednesday could see them finishing in third place which would see them slip into the Copa Sudamericana.

Eduardo Barros's men have struggled with consistency in the competition at this stage with three victories and two defeats, but they do come into the game following a 2-1 win in the league at the weekend.

Fluminense defeated Bahia despite the fact they went behind in the game, with goals from Lele and Gabriel Pirani getting them the win even though they spent most of the game with 10 men.

That extended their current unbeaten run to three games, but the last time they played in this competition it was a 2-0 defeat that they suffered.

Sporting Cristal's Yoshimar Yotun celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates on May 26, 2023© Reuters

Sporting Cristal will be hoping for a better performance than the last time they faced Fluminense as that saw them comfortably defeated 3-1.

Joao Grimaldo had actually given his team the lead in that match, but it was something they were unable to hang onto in the long run.

Despite that, Tiago Nunes has got his squad playing with real confidence as of late and they head into this match on the back of a 12-game undefeated streak in all competitions.

That is something that should inject a lot of confidence into the team, especially since they need to pick up at least a point to push themselves into the top two, depending on the result of the other group game.

A victory would guarantee Sporting Cristal a place in the next round, yet they will also be wary of the fact that The Strongest are just a point behind them right now.

Fluminense Copa Libertadores form:


Fluminense form (all competitions):


Sporting Cristal Copa Libertadores form:


Team News

Sporting Cristal coach Tiago Nunes on May 26, 2023© Reuters

Marcelo returned to the Fluminense starting lineup in their last outing after a five-game absence due to injury, and his experience could be important in this fixture.

Lele will be aiming to retain his place in the team after scoring at the weekend, adding to his tally for the season.

For the visitors, it will be Brenner leading the line as he already has 10 goals to his name in all competitions this season.

The team operated with three at the back this past weekend, but against strong opposition, it would not be a surprise to see them revert to four.


Fluminense possible starting lineup:
Fabio; Xavier, Nino, Melo, Marcelo; Martinelli, Andre; Lele, Lima, Ganso; Cano

Sporting Cristal possible starting lineup:
Solis; Sosa, Massoni, Oliveria, Laffore; Castillo, Tavara, Yotun; Grimaldo, Hohberg, Brenner


SM words green background

We say: Fluminense 1-2 Sporting Cristal

Sporting Cristal head into this game with tons of momentum due to their recent performances, and that is something that could lead to them taking the victory and taking a place in the next round.



For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.


Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting under 3.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Under 3.5:data


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Game History

How you voted: Fluminense vs Cristal

Fluminense
50.0%
Draw
16.7%
Sporting Cristal
33.3%
12
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