Católica and Inter Square Off in Santiago.

By: Mauro | September 25th, 2008

Universidad Católica vs. Internacional de Porto Alegre (Estadio San Carlos Apoquindo de Católica, Santiago, Chile)

LIVE @ 6pm PST on Fox Sports Español. Gamecast here. Online TV here.

The only team going against the Brasileirao-over-the-Sudamericana grain is Inter of Porto Alegre, at least for tonight. Fortunately for us, we’ll see Inter’s best XI in Santiago when they face Universidad Católica, who’s got a few of their own problems but I have a good feeling about them in this competition.

Playing poorly and unable to get results they need in the local league, Católica is also operating under the rumor that their coach will be resigning soon. But they are coming into this match off a 5 goal game where they beat local side Melipilla, 5-2 in the Chilean Clausura. And nothing can cure a team’s woes temporarily than a nice 5-goal romp. They are in 7th place, an eternity away from the top of the table for this club that’s used to being in the top four.

For tonight’s match, Paraguayan Jeison Ibarrola is unable to play due to injury, which is unfortunate because this boy can ball. Let him hook up with Mirovan Milosevic and let them both go and they’ll make a mess of opposing defenses. Jeremias Caggiano is expected to replace Ibarrola and it’s not that he’s not as good he’s just a more sit-in-the-penalty-area type of forward rather than one who can beat his markers off the dribble.

For Inter, coach Tite will be unable to field goalscorer Nilmar since he is undergoing some medical treatment for an injury he received. But, re-appearing for Inter is Gustavo Nery, who is back from injury and should be part of the starting line up.

But giving no clues as to what his starting XI will be, coach Tite has brought all his players and will be deciding who will play once they have at least one training session in the bag.

Bottom Line: Inter have only this tournament to play for since they are sitting in 11th place in the Brasileirao and have little to no chance to win the local tournament or place much higher than 7th or so. Católica are also most likely putting all their eggs in this basket since their league form has been poor as well. This one is pretty even if you ask me. So here goes.

My Pick: 2-1 to Católica. Inter have trouble gelling against the hard running midfield and can’t muster the win. Católica defend their ground and look good for the second leg in Porto Alegre next week.

Feel free to check the CONMEBOL website for results and information about upcoming matches and for those of you in need of a bracket to get your heads around the competition, get one here.