Palmeiras, the two-time champion in 2020 and 2021, continues to lead a group that also features Barcelona de Guayaquil, Cerro Porteño, and Bolívar. This season, the Libertadores Cup 2023 is in its group stage, a battleground where 32 clubs push to reach the direct elimination rounds. The format splits the continent into eight sectors, with the best teams chasing one of the 16 coveted tickets that mark a team as a genuine contender.
The draw took place on Monday, March 27 in Luque, Paraguay, establishing Group C as a quartet comprised of Palmeiras from Brazil, Barcelona from Ecuador, Bolívar from Bolivia, and Cerro Porteño from Paraguay. The mix highlights a blend of history, passion, and continental ambition, with each club eyeing a strong start and a path through the rounds ahead.
The opening matchday delivered an early twist as the Bolivian club Bolívar toppled Palmeiras in a bold statement of intent. Meanwhile, Cerro Porteño edged out Barcelona, signaling a competitive balance across the group. On the second day, Palmeiras and Barcelona both earned victories, each tallying three points as they set the tone for the campaign. As the third and fourth fixtures unfolded, Bolívar and Palmeiras continued to perform, keeping the race tight and leaving momentum swinging between the Bolivian and Brazilian sides as the group progressed toward the point where qualification seats would be decided. Bolívar then eliminated Cerro Porteño on the fifth day, intensifying the race for first place and narrowing the gap among the leaders as the schedule moved forward.
Copa Libertadores 2023: the campaign began, the standings started to form, and the match results started to shape the narrative of Group C. The competition stayed relentless, with every encounter carrying significance as clubs chased the dream of advancing to the knockout phase.
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Source: Goal