Copa Libertadores Previews, Predictions & Betting Tips

The Copa Libertadores is the most prestigious club competition in South American football. Formed in 1960, it features the biggest clubs in South America who battle to be crowned best team on the continent and win a ticket to the FIFA Club World Cup.

Similar to the UEFA Champions League, the Copa Libertadores has a qualification process before 32 teams contest the group stage. The eight group winners and eight runners-up then enter the knockout stages which culminates in a two-legged finals in November.

Six teams from Argentina and six from Brazil qualify for the tournament with all other nations having four. It's no surprise that teams from Argentina and Brazil have dominated the Copa Libertadores with Independiente of Argentina the most successful club with seven titles. An Argentine club has won the tournament 24 times (41%), with a club from Brazil winning 18 times (31%).

One important factor in the Copa Libertadores is high altitude, with many teams from Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru enjoying a significant advantage over their South American neighbours. The highest venue is Potosí in Bolivia where football is played at an astonishing 4067 metres above sea level.