Peñarol vs Botafogo Prediction: Peñarol will play for its pride

After a crushing 5-0 defeat in the first leg, there's nothing left for Peñarol to do but dignify its emblem and play a good game. Botafogo has a very comfortable lead, and Artur Jorge may choose not to field players who risk missing the final if they receive a yellow card.

The Carboneros haven't played since their disappointing defeat to Botafogo, so they're keen to go out on the pitch and show that what happened in the first leg was an accident. No one expects a turnaround in the tie, but Peñarol fans hope for at least a win. The Uruguayans won't be able to play in their stadium due to security reasons following the incidents in Rio de Janeiro that led to the arrest of 200 Peñarol fans. Even so, Peñarol is likely to play in a completely different way and can compete for the result against a superior opponent.

The Lone Star club secured a crucial victory against Bragantino away from home in the last round of the Brasileirão. Defensive midfielder Gregory scored the game's only goal with a header in the 88th minute, which allowed the Cariocas to extend their lead over second-placed Palmeiras to three points. Botafogo is very close to its first Copa Libertadores final, and right now, it seems logical that the second leg might be seen as an opportunity to rest some players for the demanding end of the season ahead. The five-goal advantage will allow the coach to manage the fatigue of some players and prevent possible suspensions in the final.

It's an unusual game because there doesn't seem to be any chance of Peñarol qualifying for the final after the 5-0 defeat in the first leg. It's tricky, therefore, to predict the outcome of this game because it won't stop the Brazilians from reaching the final. I will bet on a contest with less than two goals, as probably Botafogo will not take many risks.