Comments and predictions for Botafogo vs Universidad: Locking the door to knockout

Latest Botafogo vs Universidad de Chile team information

Botafogo continued to suffer losses in strength when goalkeeper Leo Linck was injured in the most recent match, after central defender David Ricardo also had to leave the field early in the previous match.

A lengthy injury list – including Artur, Jefferson Savarino, Matheus Martins, Gonzalo Mastriani, Alexander Barboza and Bastos – has limited coach Renato Paiva's squad options.

One notable point: Botafogo's 7 goals in Copa Libertadores this season have all been scored by 7 different players. Among them, striker Igor Jesus - who was absent in the last match - is likely to return to the starting lineup.

As for Universidad, they have no new injuries. Charles Aranguiz – who is leading the team’s scoring list in the tournament with 3 goals – could be in the starting lineup after coming off the bench in the last match.

Midfielder Israel Poblete will not be available due to a groin injury, while Matias Sepulveda remains a doubt after missing the previous game.

Latest expected lineup Botafogo vs Universidad de Chile

Botafogo:
John; Vitinho, Cunha, DR, Telles; Fernandes, Gregore, Freitas, Cuiabano; Seco, Jesus

University of Chile:
Toselli; Zaldivia, Formiliano, Fernandez; Aranguiz, Otega, Montes, Alfaro; Melli; Guerra, Yorio

Latest football commentary Botafogo vs Universidad de Chile

Botafogo – winners of last season’s Copa Libertadores after a historic win over Atletico Mineiro – head into the final group stage game in shaky form, but with the power to decide. A win would see them secure a place in the knockout stages.

This season has started with a rocky start for the Brazilians, with two defeats in their first three games – including 0-1 away defeats to Universidad and Estudiantes – sandwiched between a 2-0 home win over Carabobo.

However, Botafogo have bounced back strongly with two consecutive wins: 2-1 against Carabobo and an exciting 3-2 win over Estudiantes, meaning Universidad are the last opponent they have failed to beat in the group stage.

Confidence will be even greater knowing that the last time they hosted a Chilean representative in Rio – also Universidad – they won 1-0 (Copa Libertadores 1996).

Recent home form is also a big support: 6 wins, 1 draw in the last 7 matches in all competitions, scoring 19 goals, conceding 4 and keeping 5 clean sheets.

However, Botafogo have faltered with a goalless draw against Flamengo in the league and a 1-0 loss to Capital in the Copa do Brasil second leg. They still progressed 4-1 on aggregate.

On the other hand, Universidad de Chile also just suffered a 0-2 defeat against Limanche in the domestic tournament, ending a 3-match unbeaten streak.

However, one of their two recent wins was a 4-0 thrashing of Carabobo in continental competition – a boost after a 3-0 loss to Estudiantes earlier in the campaign.

Coach Gustavo Alvarez and his team have 3 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss after 5 matches. They only need 1 more point in Brazil to officially advance to the group stage for the first time since the 2011-12 season.

Universidad's away record in this year's tournament is very encouraging: beat Estudiantes 2-1, draw with Carabobo.

Latest score prediction Botafogo vs Universidad de Chile

Based on the above football comments, we and the world's leading football sites have given the results of the match.Botafogo vs Universidad de Chileas follows:

• Sportsmole:Botafogo 2-0 Universidad de Chile

• WhoScore:Botafogo 1-0 Universidad de Chile
• Our newspaper predicts:Botafogo vs Universidad 1-0 Chile

When and where to watch Botafogo vs Universidad de Chile live?

To watch the live match Botafogo vs Universidad de Chile in the Copa Libertadores tournament taking place at 7:30 on May 28, viewers can watch it on online sports channels. Wish you have fun watching football.