On the fourth of November, the most important game in South America will be played to disclose the winner of the 2023 Copa Libertadores. The sixth-time Libertadores champions Boca Juniors will face the Brazilian side Fluminense at their own stadium, Estádio Jornalista Mário Filho, also known as Maracanã.
Jorge Almiróns Boca qualified in first place in their group with 13 points (four wins, one draw and one defeat), where they scored nine times and conceded only twice. This club is characterised by never giving up, and this edition is proof of such resilience. In fact, in the knock-out stage, they didnt win a single game, qualifying for the Libertadores final through three consecutive and successful penalty decisions.
On the other side, we have Fluminense, a historical side from Rio de Janeiro, commanded by Fernando Diniz, who, in parallel, coaches the Brazilian national team. Theyve also qualified as first in their group with 10 points (three wins, one draw and two defeats) with a 10-6 goal difference. Together with Palmeiras, Fluminense holds the best attack in the competition with 22 goals scored, reiterating the offensive process as their biggest strength.
In this tactical analysis, well look at both teams identities on and off the ball, revealing their favourable and unfavourable approaches. Taking this into account, well try to foresee some situations during the game where these teams will have the possibility to explore their opponents weaknesses.
We also leave you with some potential line-ups:
Boca Juniors: Romero; Advíncula; Figal; Valentini; Fabra; Medina; P. Fernández (C); E. Fernandez; Barco; Merentiel; Cavani
Fluminense: Fábio; Samuel; Nino (C); Melo; Marcelo; André; Martinelli; Ganso; Cano; Keno; Arias
Boca Juniors
Although in some league games, the 4-3-3 is the most general and used game plan by Boca, we found out that they follow a 4-4-2 approach more recently. They are somewhat of a pragmatic team that adapts their game strategy to what they are going to face, where, for example, we commonly see them switching between a five or four-man backline. Thiss only possible due to Almiróns ability to take the best of his players and their tactical understanding of interpreting the game in different positions.
That said, they are a team that preferentially likes to build from the back through a short pass strategy. However, the direct game is also a good and viable option. They not only have Cavani and Merentiel to win aerial duels but also a range of aggressive and intense players to win the second ball.
Even if Boca plays with two centre-backs, as we expect,
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