Sporting Cristal and Sao Paulo face off today at the Estadio Nacional of Peru in the beginning of their Copa Libertadores 2021 journey. The Peruvian side has secured a spot in this tournament after being crowned in the local league, while the Brazilians did it by finishing fourth in the 2020 Brasileirao. Here, take a look at the match preview, information, storylines, predictions, odds, and check out how to watch the game in the US.
The Máquina Celeste are once again in South America's top competition following their unforgettable triumph in the domestic tournament last year. The experienced manager Roberto Mosquera's team will start the group stage against a tough opponent, though.
Sao Paulo return to Libertadores nights hoping to improve their last years' results. A new manager was appointed for that task. Hernán Crespo, former world-class striker who dazzled in Europe and with the Argentina national team, is in charge of the Brazilian giants after leading Defensa y Justicia to an epic Copa Sudamericana title. Can he achieve South America's greatest prize with such an important side?
Sporting Cristal vs Sao Paulo: Match Information
Date: Tuesday, April 20, 2021
Time: 8:30 PM (ET)
Location: Estadio Nacional of Peru, Lima
Sporting Cristal vs Sao Paulo: Time by State in the US
ET: 8:30 PM
CT: 7:30 PM
MT: 6:30 PM
PT: 5:30 PM
Sporting Cristal vs Sao Paulo: Storylines
Following their domestic triumph at the end of 2020, when they defeated Universitario in the finals, Sporting Cristal are currently fighting for a back-to-back championship in Peru's first division. Mosquera's boys remain undefeated in the Campeonato Descentralizado after four rounds, with a winning record.
On the other hand, Sao Paulo are leading group B in the Campeonato Paulista. The Tricolor are back in the Copa Libertadores seeking their fourth trophy after a 16-year drought. But most importantly, they want to improve after disappointing results in the last editions.
That's why they signed Hernán Crespo, following his success with the modest Defensa y Justicia. The Argentine managed to claim good results so far, and he will try to keep like that in the beginning of arguably the biggest challenge for Sao Paulo this season.
How to watch or live stream Sporting Cristal vs Sao Paulo in the US
The game to be played between Sporting Cristal and Sao Paulo in the 2021 Copa Libertadores group stage will be broadcast in the US by Fanatiz, beIN SPORTS CONNECT, and beIN SPORTS.
Sporting Cristal vs Sao Paulo: Predictions and Odds
It could be expected that the visitors are seen as favorites, as they are one of the strongest opponents in the 2021 Copa Libertadores. According to Caliente, Sporting Cristal have odds of +400, while Sao Paulo have odds of -150. A tie would result in a +280 payout.
