The 22nd edition of the Copa Sudamericana kicks off in March with the qualifying stages. Independiente del Valle defeated Sao Paulo last year to lift the second most prestigious club title in South American football.
Key Info About The 2023 Copa Sudamericana
Sixteen sets of qualification games are set to be played in the first three days of the Copa Sudamericana. Some big teams who fail to make it past and approve 2023 Copa Libertadores predictions for the group stage would join the Copa Sudamericana 2023, making it a very competitive tournament.
| Tournament: |
Copa CONMEBOL Sudamericana 2023, 22nd Edition |
| Venues: |
Various Stadiums in South America |
| Dates: |
7 March (first qualifications) to 28 October 2023 (final) |
2023 Copa Sudamericana Odds
After losing to Independiente del Valle last year, São Paulo is the football bookmakers’ favorite to lift the trophy in October. Their odds stand out among the top five as there is very little margin between the rest of the top favorites. Like the Copa Libertadores, the Copa Sudamericana predictions are dominated by Brazilian teams, and there are three Brazilian teams in the top five favorites.
| 2023 Copa Sudamericana Favorites |
Odds to Win Outright |
| São Paulo |
7.00 (6/1) |
| Botafogo RJ |
11.00 (10/1) |
| Estudiantes de La Plata |
13.00 (12/1) |
| CA San Lorenzo |
13.00 (12/1) |
| Red Bull Bragantino |
15.00 (14/1) |
Sao Paulo FC @ 7.00 (6/1)
Sao Paulo is the favorite to win, although they are likely to face stiff competition from teams joining from the Copa Libertadores. The Brazilian side reached the finals last year but lost the finals in Argentina to Independiente del Valle.
Botafogo FR RJ @ 11.00 (10/1)
Botafogo RJ failed to reach the group stages of the 2022 Copa Sudamericana, but after a successful Brazilian Serie A season last year, they entered this competition as the second favorite to win.
Estudiantes de La Plata @ 13.00 (12/1)
Estudiantes had a good spell in the late ’90s, which earned them three consecutive Copa Libertadores, but they have not been able to replicate that and would be playing in South America’s second-best tournament.
CA San Lorenzo @ 13.00 (12/1)
San Lorenzo won its first Copa Sudamericana in 2002; becoming the first team to clinch the trophy. They are not at their best, but they are still a team to be feared in these competitions.
Red Bull Bragantino @ 15.00 (14/1)
Red Bull Bragantino has achieved a lot of success in the last few years. They have gone from winning the Brazilian Serie B to being a top-five favorite in the Copa Sudamericana.
The Copa Sudamericana: History & Format
The Copa Sudamericana is also known as the CONMEBOL Sudamericana, and based on importance, it is ranked behind the Copa Libertadores in South American football. To some extent, it’s like Europa League, which stands behind the Champions League in the European club football hierarchy.
The first edition of this tournament was in 2002, and San Lorenzo was the inaugural winner, while Independiente del Valle won the trophy last season. Athletico Paranaense, Independiente del Valle, Boca Juniors, and San Lorenzo are the most successful clubs in the Copa Sudamericana; all tied on two trophies.
Past Winners of The Copa Sudamericana
The highest number of titles for a team in the Copa Sudamericana stands at two. Athletico Paranaense and Independiente del Valle are the most successful teams in the last five years, with two titles each.
- 2022: Independiente del Valle 2-0 Sao Paulo
- 2021: Athletico Paranaense 1-0 Red Bull Bragantino
- 2020: Defensa y Justicia 3-0 Lanus
- 2019: Independiente del Valle 3-1 Colón
- 2018: Athletico Paranaense (on penalties) 1-1 Junior
The Copa Sudamericana begins with the qualification phase and then the group stages, which feature 32 teams in eight groups. The winners of each group secure a spot in the round of 16 while eight teams who finished third in the Copa Libertadores group stages would drop to the Copa Sudamericana to participate in the last 16. The round of 16 to the semi-finals is played over two legs, while the final is decided by a single game.
Copa Sudamericana 2023 Betting Tips
Copa Sudamericana Winning Nation – Brazil @ 1.91 (10/11)
Brazil has always been a powerhouse in South American football, and teams from the region have been very competitive in the Copa Sudamericana. The last two finals have featured at least one Brazilian side, and looking at the favorites in this tournament, and it is very likely that we see another Brazilian team in the finals.
Two of the last five trophies have gone to a Brazilian side. Three out of the top five favorites are from Brazil, with Sao Paulo and Botafogo RJ emerging as strong contenders for this Cup. A bet on a Brazilian team to win the 2023 Copa Sudamericana is the best option in South American bookies.
To Reach the Quarter Finals – CA San Lorenzo @ 4.50 (7/2)
Since their victory in the first edition of the Copa Sudamericana, San Lorenzo has not been able to lay its hands on the prized trophy, but things could change for them in this event. San Lorenzo’s team has improved, and they have a good shot at lifting this trophy in October.
They finished as runner-up in the Torneos de Verano last year and were a top-six team in the Argentina Liga Profesional. It is too early to say they will win the Copa Sudamericana, but a quarterfinals appearance is very likely. Backing San Lorenzo to reach the final eight is a valuable option in this tournament.
Sao Paulo to Win The Copa Sudamericana @ 7.00 (6/1)
Rogerio Ceni and his boys have another shot at winning the Copa Sudamericana. They were one of the best teams in this competition last year, and they had a great run to the finals. Sao Paulo made a huge statement last year when they defeated Universidad Catolica 8-3 on aggregate in their first knockout game of the competition. They would go on to eliminate tougher sides like Ceara and Atlético Goianiense.
However, they couldn’t break down a resilient Independiente del Valle team in the finals, but they are a better team this year and can go all the way to win the finals. Also, they took plenty of needed experience in the Copa do Brazil 2022, losing in the semis to future winners in the face of Flamengo. A bet on Sao Paulo to win the Copa Sudamericana is a very valuable option at 7.00 (6/1).
2023 Copa Sudamericana Winner Predictions: Dark Horses
Santos To Win @ 18.00 (17/1)
Santos was another team that impressed in the group stages of the former draw, confirming most of Copa Sudamericana predictions. They finished top of Group C with only one loss in the group stage, entering the last-16 as a pot 1 team.
Santos was eliminated on penalties in the next round by Deportivo Táchira, and there wasn’t much they could do in a game of luck. Santos is playing very well this season, and they are just three points away from the top in the Paulista A1. They have the team to spring a surprise in this tournament.
Defensa y Justicia @ 23.00 (22/1)
The 2021 Argentine Primera season was memorable for Defensa y Justicia, as they had one of their best finishes in the last few years. They came very close to winning the league as they finished seven points behind eventual winners, River Plate.
Defensa y Justicia won their first Copa Sudamericana three years ago, and they can recreate that magical run once again. Under the leadership of tactical genius Julio Vaccari, Defensa y Justicia can make a bold statement in the Copa Sudamericana 2023.
Betting Picks for Copa Sudamericana 2023 Opening Games
Audax Italiano vs Universidad Catolica – Away Win @ 2.25 (5/4)
Universidad Catolica had a fairly easy draw and is the favorite to reach the next stage. Audax Italiano has only one win from six matches this year and has lost two consecutive games heading into this fixture.
Both teams met recently at the end of February, and Universidad Catolica picked up a 2-1 win. Universidad Catolica has won three of their last five games, including back-to-back victories heading into this game. A bet on the visitors to win is the best available offer in this game.
Tacuary vs General Caballero JLM – Both Teams to Score @ 2.15 (23/20)
Tacuary and General Caballero JLM is one of the most even ties in the first stage of the Copa Sudamericana. Both teams have not been at their best this year, and there is not much to separate them.
Tacuary has not won in their last five games, while General Caballero has only one win in their last five matches. Both teams met last week in the league, and it ended all square. With qualification on the line in this game, there is a good chance we will see another draw result in this fixture.
Our 2023 Copa Sudamericana Predictions
The Copa Sudamericana is back in March, and we have compiled offers ranging from outrights to the opening games. Below are the best expert betting tips on the 2023 Copa Sudamericana:
- Copa Sudamericana Winning Nation – Brazil @ 1.91 (10/11)
- To Reach The Quarter Finals – CA San Lorenzo @ 4.50 (7/2)
- Audax Italiano vs Universidad Catolica – Away Win @ 2.25 (5/4)
South American football is heating up, and the Copa Sudamericana resumes with a lot of interesting offers. Using our football betting tips and predictions, you can get the best out of this competition.
