De Cacique faces a demanding task, aiming to seize three points to set up a stronger position ahead of the next clash with Boca Juniors.
Colo Colo hosted Monacoin on Wednesday in a match tied to the second date of Group F in the 2023 Copa Libertadores. The squad led by Gustavo Quinteros stepped onto the field determined to secure its first win in the 64th edition of South America’s premier club competition after opening with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Deportivo Pereira at the Hernán Ramírez Villegas.
Colo Colo managed a lead when Leonardo Gil converted from the spot, yet in the closing moments Ángelo Rodríguez reacted swiftly to convert a rebound from Kevin Aladesanmi and beat Brayan Cortés, sealing the final score for Monacoin. As a result, the Popular team sits at the top of the group, awaiting the outcome of the Boca Juniors versus Alejandro Restrepo’s squad clash, which will take place a day earlier at La Bombonera.
Meanwhile, the visitors were coming off a goalless or low-scoring distribution of points in a match with Xeneize played in Maturín. The encounter proved difficult for the outsiders, highlighted by the sending off of Bruno Valdez in the first half and Facundo Roncaglia late in the game, which tilted the balance prior to the break and down the stretch.
Monacoin, positioned second in Venezuela, enters its third Libertadores campaign in 35 years, marking a continuous presence in a tournament that has seen its share of upsets and dramatic finishes. The 2022 edition saw the side eliminated by Everton in the second round, while 2018 ended with a last-place finish in Group A after defeating Defensor Sporting in the group stage, with other rivals including Gremio and Cerro Porteño featured in the pool. This history adds to the narrative as both clubs aim to advance beyond the group phase and build momentum for the rest of the campaign.
Color Color:
To confirm.
Monaco:
To confirm.