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A New Return to the Libertadores sees Brazilian Dominance in Sight

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The last three finals have been all-Brazilian, while the financial and technical gulf is growing between the country's giants and the rest of the continent. The Brazilian giants have more money. They can bring back players from Europe and pick and choose from neighboring nations, and it is increasingly difficult for the others to compete with them. They can also count on strength in numbers. That is why Brazilian hegemony continues to grow.

Increased Brazilian presence

Brazilian clubs have had a greater presence in the dispute for the South American crown. After the last three qualifying rounds, Brazilian teams have had a grand total of seven representatives in the following rounds. Argentina has had five, while Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru have had three each. Bolivia, Chile, Uruguay and Venezuela have had two each. The competition, then, is tilted in Brazil's favor.

However, the interesting thing for this edition is that the challengers have prepared. The favorites are drawn, in a continent where home advantage counts for a lot. And so, with the exception of Atlético Mineiro, which got through the qualifying rounds, the Brazilians are on tour this week, some of them on their way to inhospitable places.

That applies mainly to Palmeiras, champions in 2020 and '21. They go up to the dreaded extreme altitude of La Paz to face Bolivar of Bolivia. Still, it's hard to envision Palmeiras falling on the road.

Brazilian dominance

Palmeiras has shared the dominance of the Libertadores with Flamengo, champions in 2019 and '22. The current holders are also up to the task for this new edition. Both teams have been able to translate the success they have had in the Brazilian league to the Libertadores, demonstrating the dominance that the Carioca football has over its South American rivals.

Fluminense and their fascinating free-flowing style have a long journey of their own, but this club has been hardened by their struggles in previous qualifying rounds. This continued experience puts other rivals who have not had the opportunity to be consistent Libertadores participants at a disadvantage.

Sao Paulo's Corinthians has a more interesting journey. This club, Brazilian champions on multiple occasions, will have to go through some smaller clubs early in the tournament, giving way to an eventual clash with one of the other Brazilian clubs.

The Argentine Response

With the exception of a few clubs such as Barcelona of Guayaquil or Independiente del Valle, the strongest challenge to Brazilian dominance comes from its neighbor, Argentina. Clubs such as Racing and River Plate have responded to Rio's dominance by improving their squads and investing in their clubs.

Argentina's other big club, Boca Juniors, is in the midst of a renewal process after the dismissal of its coach Hugo Ibarra. Despite the apparent turmoil, the club will have a relatively easy group stage.

However, their path will be complicated once they face the Brazilian giants, possibly in mid-July. It remains to be seen whether any Argentine club, or any other club outside Brazil, will be able to put an end to the hegemony of the Carioca clubs.

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