Copa Libertadores draw

Copa Libertadores officially began its 51st edition as the group draw took place in Asunción , Paraguay.   The tournament will begin on January 21st in an effort to get as much of the tournament out of the way prior to the World Cup. 

Some of the big storylines were the likeliness of having both Boca Juniors and River Plate out of the tournament for the first time since 1992, the smaller teams will have the chance to shine.  There is still a slim chance for seven-time winner Independiente can make that sixth and final spot that is currently held by Newell's Old Boys. 

The Rosario side is two points clear of their eternal rivals Rosario Central and and have a game in hand.  They also find themselves four points ahead of both San Lorenzo and the Avellaneda giants.

Brazilian scramble

The Brasileirão has assured us of one thing- Corinthians has been crusing since they won Copa do Brasil.  It will also be a great showcase for Ronaldo to prove once and for all to Canarinha coach Dunga that he is worthy of playing in his fifth World Cup.   This coming Sunday will be aother great showcase for Il Fenomeno to prove himself as second place Flamengo will head to the Pacaembu to face Corinthians in a make or break matchup that will see two of the most feared markmen face off as Ronaldo will face Adriano. 

Meanwhile, with two weeks left in the season, six teams are still mathematically alive for the title.  First and sixth place are separated by only six points.  Seven teams are still battling for four Copa Libertadores spots. Palmeiras, Flamengo, Internacional, and São Paulo will lock up their Libertadores spots with wins this weekend.

The champs

Defending champ Estudiantes will have a very accessible group.  El Pincha will play in Group 3 alongside Bolivian side Bolívar as well as second place Peruvian side (currently that team could be Universidad de San Martín) and the playoff winner between the Interliga runner-up and the third place Peruvian side (currently Cienciano).

Aztecs' return

At the same time, the Mexican sides have the ideal chance to come out on top with the most important club comptition in the western hemisphere as they will have five teams in the competition.  Morelia is the first Mexican side in groups.  The second direct group spot as well as the playoff side will be decided in the Interliga in early January. 

The big story on this front was the inclusion of Chivas and San Luis in the tournament.  These two teams participated in last year's edition of the tournament but were not able to play the quarterfinals of the tournament after São Paulo and Nacional refused to play the return legs of their respective matchups in Mexican territory because of the hysteria going on in the region when the H1N1 virus was in its early stages.  Several countries offered and declined to be an alternate home site for the Mexicans, but they then decided to withdraw.

First Round Playoff

1) Deportivo Táchira (VEN)- Paraguay 3
2) Perú 3 - México 3
3) Argentina 5 - Chile 3
4) Bolivia 3 - Brasil 5
5) Argentina 6 - Ecuador 3
6) Colombia 3 - Racing (URU)

Group Stage

Note:  Chivas and San Luis will begin tournament in the quarterfinals