Corinthians wary of Boca Juniors threat

Sao Paulo, April 21 (IANS): Corinthians defender Paulo Andre says his team’s Copa Libertadores round of 16 clash against Boca Juniors next month will carry as much pressure as last year’s final between the two clubs.

Boca will host Corinthians at Bombonera May 1 before travelling to Sao Paulo for the second leg at the Pacaembu stadium May 15, reports Xinhua.

It will be the teams’ first meeting since last year’s Copa Libertadores final, when Corinthians won 3-1 on aggregate.

“For me it was a surprise to be drawn against Boca Juniors,” Andre said Saturday. “According to my simulator, it was going to be either Emelec or Newell’s Old Boys.

“The pressure is going to be just like the final last year. We need to try to atleast get a draw in Buenos Aires to have a chance in the tie. To do that we will have to be at our best.”

Boca ended the first phase of South America’s premier club competition second in Group 1 with nine points from six matches while Corinthians headed Group 5 with 13 points.