Grêmio vs Huachipato Prediction: Grêmio must win after opening defeat

There's no time to lose, and the Copa Libertadores is already into its second round with 16 more games scheduled for this week. Grêmio didn't make a convincing start to the competition, losing 2-0 to The Strongest in Bolivia, and now must win at home to Huachipato. On Matchday 3, the Brazilians will travel to Argentina to face Estudiantes in a tricky encounter, so it's crucial to get the three points now against the Chileans. If the Immortal fails to beat Huachipato, it risks falling behind in the fight to qualify for the knockout stage.

The Campeonato Gaúcho victory gave the team confidence for the next Copa Libertadores match. The opening display in La Paz against The Strongest was disappointing, but the reaction to the defeat was good, with a 3-1 win over Juventude in the Gaúchão final. Diego Costa, the former Atlético Madrid and Chelsea player, scored a goal to help win the trophy. The Spanish-Brazilian was signed to replace Luis Suárez, who left for Inter Miami. Being crowned Gaúcho champion for the seventh year in a row could be the fuel to win the clash against the Chileans in this upcoming Copa Libertadores match. 

The Steelers drew 1-1 at home to Estudiantes in the Copa Libertadores Matchday 1. It was a positive result for a team with little experience in the competition. After going into the break trailing, Huachipato got the equalizer in the 81st minute through Cris Martínez. This result will allow the Chileans to go to Porto Alegre ahead of the opponent in the table. In the Chilean league, things aren't going well for the champion, occupying 12th place with six games played. A draw at the Arena do Grêmio would be an excellent result for Huachipato.

Grêmio is the favorite for this Copa Libertadores match. The team is strong in its home stadium, has better players, and the club has much more history in the competition than Huachipato. The Immortal has won the Copa Libertadores three times and is now obliged to beat the Chileans after the defeat in La Paz. I'm backing Grêmio to win with a maximum of four goals scored.