Major clubs missing out on 2017 Copa Libertadores

With the 2017 Copa Libertadores under way, 47 teams are fighting for the most prestigious South American crown. While three of them have been eliminated during the first round of qualification already, others did not even get the chance to enter the competition due to numerous reasons. Here are the 12 former Libertadores champions that will not be there in 2017. Independiente's players with the trophy in 1984. It was their last triumph to date...

Read More

Independiente del Valle win to start 2017 Copa Libertadores campaign

The Copa Libertadores is back and started with its first round of qualification for the 2017 edition last evening. After reshaping the format of the competition, there will be three rounds of qualifiers before the group stages begin. Three games including last season's finalists were played and here is how they went. Michael Estrada celebrates his goal (Photo cropped from: conmebol.com) Independiente del Valle has returned to a new Copa Libertadores...

Read More

Diego Coelho shows promise in Nacional's preseason

While the South American U20 championships are on, the focus naturally lies on the continent's elite talent. Clubs from all over Europe have sent their scouts to Ecuador. One player that is not involved in the tournament is Diego Coelho. Nevertheless, he is making a lot of noise during Nacional's preseason, having scored two goals already. What makes him one of the club's most promising talents? Diego Coelho in training (Photo: ovaciondigital.com.uy). In...

Read More

South American U20 Championship starts in Ecuador

Before the Copa Libertadores gets going with its new season next week, the focus shifts to the continent's youth national teams. South America's U20 sides will contest a new champion in Ecuador. Argentina has their work cut out for them as they try to defend the 2015 crown.  The format is a little unusual, at least judging by European standards. There will not be any knockout rounds, instead a large group of six will determine the winner...

Read More