Colo-Colo vs Fluminense Prediction: The title holder has a tricky match coming up

Fluminense travels to Santiago to defend its lead in Group A and to extend its unbeaten streak in the Copa Libertadores. The last time the Brazilians lost in the competition was in Argentina against River Plate in June 2023, 12 games ago. Fluminense's opponent is Colo-Colo, second with one point less, who will probably give the current title holder a hard time.

Colo-Colo is in seventh place in the Chilean league, a modest position for the country's biggest club. In its last game, the Cacique drew 2-2 away to Cobresal, a team also competing in the Copa Libertadores. In the great South American competition, Colo-Colo has four points, all won at home. The Santiago side lost in Rio de Janeiro against Fluminense on Matchday 2, a result the Chileans must avoid repeating at all costs as their last two group games are away to Cerro Porteño and Alianza Lima. The Paraguayans and Peruvians have four and two points, respectively, and will meet in this round.

The Fluminense fans are excited with the comeback of central defender Thiago Silva. However, the player will fulfill his contract with Chelsea, which expires in June, and only then will he return to the club he left 16 years ago. The signing of Thiago Silva somewhat overshadowed the draw at home to Atlético Mineiro. After leading by two goals, the Cariocas conceded the equalizer and confirmed their poor start in the Brasileirão, where they are in 16th place after five rounds. The game in Santiago will be demanding, and Fluminense must not lose as it risks dropping to third place.

There's no clear favorite in this match. It should be a balanced match, with both teams avoiding taking too many chances. The Brazilians drew 0-0 in Paraguay with Cerro Porteño, so another draw on the road would be a good result, especially against the second-placed team in the group. Colo-Colo has one point less, but a draw with the title holder will be welcome. I'm betting on a game with no more than two goals, considering it could be a tactical contest.