The draw for the Conmebol tournament set the stage by naming the four clubs that would form sector E in the respected competition. This regional grouping brings together teams from different corners of the continent, creating a diverse mix of styles and histories that fans in the United States, Canada, and beyond follow with keen interest. The moment highlighted the importance of early competition to establish momentum and lay the groundwork for a deeper run into the tournament’s knockout rounds.
The 2023 Copa Sudamericana enters the group phase, a round-robin phase where 32 clubs vie for a coveted path to the knockout stages. The format is clear: eight sectors produce eight direct advancers, while another eight teams pursue a spot in the round of 16 through a playoff route that adds drama and pressure. The setup emphasizes both consistency and resilience, rewarding squads that can translate results into steady points across a busy schedule. This phase is widely watched by fans across North America who enjoy the mix of tactical nous and individual moments of brilliance that define South American football. [Source attribution: Goal]
On the draw day, Monday, March 27, Group E was confirmed to include Newell’s Old Boys from Argentina, Audax Italiano from Chile, Santos FC from Brazil, and Club Blooming from Bolivia. Each club brings a distinct pedigree: Newell’s with its storied domestic history and Argentine footballing culture; Audax Italiano with its Chilean roots and modern development; Santos, a legendary Brazilian outfit known for its production of attacking talent; and Blooming, a Bolivian side with local fan support and competitive ambition. This quartet promised a balanced and entertaining group stage, with opportunities for strategic matchups, surprise results, and narrative arcs that resonate with fans across the region. [Source attribution: Goal]
In the opening match, Newell’s opened the scoring with a late strike against Audax Italiano, showcasing the way a disciplined approach can yield momentum—a signature of teams aiming to secure a strong start. Santos countered in Bolivia as Eduardo Bauermann found the net, signaling how each fixture could tilt the table with critical late goals. The early exchanges demonstrated the fine margins that define group play, where every goal can shape the positioning as the campaign progresses. [Source attribution: Goal]
A week later, the battle intensified as Newell’s traveled to confront the Bolivian side and Audax Italiano earned a valuable point by drawing with Santos. The group’s dynamics began to take shape as each club balanced defense and attack in the pursuit of qualification, laying the groundwork for a tense second phase. The contest underscored how the home-and-away format can amplify pressure and elevate performance in the group stage. [Source attribution: Goal]
On the third matchday, Newell’s headed to face Santos at their home ground, with the Argentine side dictating play early and looking comfortable. Audax Italiano then entered the race more forcefully by beating Santa Cruz, signaling that the Chilean team was gaining momentum and ready to challenge for a top-two finish. The evolving table highlighted the unpredictable nature of group play, where a single result can alter trajectories and set up compelling narratives for the remainder of the phase. [Source attribution: Goal]
For the fourth date, Tano’s squad edged Santos as the title race within the group began to tilt in favor of a stronger campaign. Newell’s secured a win in Bolivia, reinforcing its position in the upper tier of the standings and signaling that a top-two finish was within reach. A few weeks later, a setback occurred as Santos defeated Newell’s in Brazil, underscoring the volatility of group play and the constant pressure to maintain form across multiple time zones and travel demands. Ultimately, Newell’s managed to clinch first place in the group with an ideal scoreline, a testament to consistency and resilience over the rounds. [Source attribution: Goal]
Copa Sudamericana 2023: when it starts, ads and match schedule [Source attribution: Goal]
CONFIRMATION
POSITIONS TABLE
Source: Goal