Atletico Mineiro and Olimpia will contest the first leg of the Copa Libertadores on Wednesday evening.
Both sides enter the final after terrific runs in the tournament. Atletico Mineiro finished with 15 points in the group stage and won five of six games. In the round of 16, the Brazilian squad took down Sao Paolo in two straight games. The team won 2-1 in the first match and took the return leg with a 4-1 decision. In the quarterfinals, the Brazilians tied Tijuana in two straight games but progressed thanks to scoring two away goals in the opening game. The team faced major adversity in the semifinals when it lost 2-0 against Newell's Old Boys in the first leg. Fortunately a 2-0 win at home followed by a penalty shootout clincher enabled the team to progress to the final.
"We are training hard for these last two matches," Atletico superstar Ronaldinho wroteon Twitter. "We have no greater wish than to bring the title to Atletico."
Olimpia won Group 7 with 13 points. In the round of 16 the team lost 2-1 against Tigre in the opener but responded with a 2-0 victory in the return leg. In the quarterfinals, the Paraguayan squad drew 0-0 with Fluminense in the first game but won 2-1 in the second. The team then defeated Colombia's Santa Fe in the first leg; a 1-0 loss in the second was not enough to end their run.
"It still has not sunk in. This is a very important achievement," said Olimpia goalie Silva after the win. "We achieved this because of the squad Olimpia have, the heart this team have and because we are convinced of what we are able to do."
Prediction: The two sides battle to a 0-0 draw.
Start Time: 7:50 PM EST
TV: Fox Deportes