SAO PAULO (AP) — Boca Juniors has to triumph over a 2-0 deficit and recent records while it takes on River Plate in the 2nd leg in their Copa Libertadores semifinal on Tuesday.

River is unbeaten in away video games within the knockout ranges given that 2017 and the defending champion has only conceded one purpose away from home in this yr’s playoffs.

Even Diego Maradona — Boca’s most well-known fan — has stated “it is not viable” for his crew to advance.

But Boca train Gustavo Alfaro isn’t listening to facts or nay-sayers.

“Don’t think we're lifeless,” Alfaro said. “Tuesday’s fit can be the maximum crucial of my existence, that is how I am living it and how I will face it.” In the opposite semifinal, Flamengo hosts Gremio in Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana stadium on Wednesday after the groups drew 1-1 in the first leg.

Flamengo holds a ten-point lead within the Brazilian championship and enters the second leg as the favorite, in spite of giving up a overdue equalizer in the first recreation. The Rio-based team had ruled maximum of that game, and effortlessly ought to have built a bigger lead inside the first forty five minutes.

Flamengo, Brazil’s maximum popular membership, hasn’t performed in the Copa Libertadores very last considering 1981 while legend Zico turned into nevertheless active. Flamengo’s Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus is aware of how excited enthusiasts are about a probable return, but asked for calm in advance of the decisive fit towards the 2017 Copa Libertadores winners.

“Soccer is cruel and there could be surprises,” Jesus said after Flamengo’s 2-zero win in opposition to archrivals Fluminense on Sunday. “On Wednesday it will be a whole lot extra tough.” River is seeking out its fifth Copa Libertadores title, even as Boca has six. Flamengo seeks its 2nd title, at the same time as Gremio has won three.

The very last is on Nov. 23 in Santiago, Chile.