/ Michael / 01 June 2011 / Leave a Comment 
Rumoured Chelsea target Neymar is among the stars at Santos' disposal
"Cerro Porteno have faced Neymar and co three times in this year’s competition without once triumphing."
Cerro Porteno have been the surprise package of the 2011 Copa Libertadores but as they enter the second leg of their semi-final against Brazilian giants Santos, the signs are that their heroic run is going to be halted with the final tantalisingly close.
The Paraguayan side are making their 33rd foray into the South American equivalent of the Champions League and have never before made it past the semi-finals, and it looks like the high-pressure round could be their undoing for the sixth time as Santos were 1-0 winners in the initial tie.
The way back is consequently a long one for the hosts of the decider, primarily because they have faced Neymar and co three times in this year's competition without once triumphing. They were 2-1 losers when welcoming the two-time champions to Asuncion in the group stage back in April, which is why they are [3.0] outsiders and the travellers are [2.56] favourites this time.
Cerro Porteno have won just one of their last ten games, while Santos have scored in nine of their last ten Copa Libertadores encounters. They therefore have to be fancied to net again and the underdogs simply don't have enough firepower to grab the goals required to progress if they do, having struck only three times in five knockout round matches.
They boast the tournament's top goal-getter in Roberto Nanni, however the Argentine striker has been collecting bookings rather than plaudits in his last seven appearances, which is why he was only afforded a place on the bench in the first leg. Nobody has stepped up to fill the void that his drought has created and for that reason, under 2.5 goals has to be considered the best bet at [1.74].
Another price of interest is the [3.45] on the draw, as Cerro Porteno haven't been beaten at the Estadio General Pablo Rojas since Santos last visited, with a staggering six of the intervening seven fixtures finishing level. This game is live for Betfair customers to watch on Betfair Live Video from 1.50am on Thursday morning.
Best Bet: Under 2.5 goals at [1.74]
Other Recommended Bet: The draw at [3.45]
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