CONMEBOL connection: Brazilian clubs set to dominate on the continental stage

After a solid debut for our brand-new ‘CONMEBOL connection’ two weeks ago, are you ready for the second instalment of our South American football acca? 

With a midweek feast of Copa Libertadores and Sudamericana action, FIRST’s South American expert Nathan Joyes is back in action to guide you through his best selections. From Argentina to Brazil, let’s see what value he’s found.

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Leg 1: Estudiantes to beat Universidad de Chile @ 8/13 [Wednesday, 1:30am]

Argentine outfit Estudiantes endured the perfect start to their Copa Libertadores campaign with a routine 2-0 victory in Venezuela against Carabobo. 

Now back at home, Eduardo Dominguez’s side have an opportunity to make it two from two when Universidad de Chile come to town.

Having beaten the champions 1-0 in their first match, the Chilean club head to Argentina in high spirits - but they may not leave with the same spring in their step. 

This is the first time they have been in the group stage since 2021, and having lost nine of their 10 away matches, their inexperience on the road doesn’t bode well.

Estudiantes have won six of their eight home games across all competitions this season. Key players such as Santiago Ascacibar and Cristian Medina should have enough quality to secure the three points in front of their own fans.

Leg 2: Vasca da Gama to beat Cabello by two goals @ 7/10 [Wednesday, 1:30am]

Vasco da Gama drew 3-3 in Peru last week but they can secure their first win back in Brazil against Cabello. The Venezuelans led 2-0 against Lanus, and despite Alexis Segovia being sent off after 60 minutes, the Argentine club rallied to pick up a point.

Deflated and travelling to Rio de Janeiro, Vasco represents an even bigger challenge for Cabello. Having lost four of their five away matches in the Sudamericana - only winning against a fellow Venezuelan team - the gulf in class should be telling.

The hosts have forward Pablo Vegetti ready to lead the line, who has already scored 10 goals in 15 games in 2025. 

Behind him, Philippe Coutinho has started the season strongly, as well as scoring a thunderbolt against Melgar in round one.

If Vasco grab an early goal, Cabello may fold and the hosts can win by at least two goals on the night.

Leg 3: Flamengo to beat Central Cordoba and under 3.5 goals @ 1/1 [Thursday, 1:30am]

Copa Libertadores favourites began their campaign with a 1-0 win against Deportivo Tachira and Felipe Luis’ side can continue their good form at the Maracana. Unbeaten in their last 16 matches, the Brazilian powerhouses can stamp their authority on the competition against a side struggling for form.

Central Cordoba have only won one of their last five, as well as losing three of their last five away games, conceding 10 goals in the process.

Aside from their 1-1 draw in Internacional - who are set up for a good season - Flamengo narrowly beat Vitoria domestically once again showing defensive discipline under their new manager.

With a resilient defence and strong front line, Flamengo can pick up the three points while keeping Central Cordoba at arm's length.

Leg 4: Fluminense vs Santos BTTS Yes @ 1/1 [Sunday, 11:30pm]

After losing 2-1 against Vasco and drawing 2-2 with Bahia, Santos have found life tough without Neymar in the opening weeks of the season. 

However, despite getting used to Serie A football once again, they’ve shown plenty in the final third to suggest they can prove a threat this season without their star signing.

Fluminense, who lost 2-0 against Fortaleza on the opening day, parted ways with their head coach Mano Menezes and there was instant success with a 2-1 win against Bragantino.

However, the visitors are a team expected to flirt with relegation, and Fluminense still have plenty to change if they are to have a better campaign than 2024. 

The bookmakers aren’t expecting goals in this match, but both defences have yet to impress, which could open up the value play for both teams to score.

FIRST’s CONMEBOL acca overall odds: 11/1 with Betway

Odds correct at the time of writing.