Bolivar makes history in Libertadores

No Brazilian teams in Copa semis for the first time in 20+ years

The samba beats have gone quiet for now.

For the first time in 23 years, not one representative from Brazil is in the semifinals of the Copa Libertadores, representing the darkest hour for Brazilian sides since the 2011 edition when four of their teams were ousted in the quarterfinals. It's also a humiliating experience as the World Cup kicks off there in just under a month.

Brazilian teams have lifted the Libertadores trophy for the past four straight years.

This year, there will be a new champion as Bolivia's Bolivar, Argentina's San Lorenzo, Paraguay's Nacional and Uruguay's Defensor Sporting each have not taken home the continent's most coveted silverware.

The focus, however, has to be on the Bolivian side managed by Spain's Xabier Azkargorta, who led the Bolivian national team to the 1994 World Cup in the U.S. The Bolivians have never achieved the levels of success as their other South American cousins on the international side--both country and club--but have boasted several semifinals appearances back in the 1980s with Bolivar, Wilstermann and Blooming. 

The Bolivians played intelligent on the counter at home in their second-leg 1-0 win but also have the skies of La Paz to thank for and also to Lanus defender Carlos Izuierdoz for punching his way out of a fracas in the penalty area that earned him a straight red.

They're two matches away from the final and three from giving Bolivia a bit of glory. They may also have already scored tickets to the World Cup final at the famed Maracana stadium too---Bolivar's president and Miami MLS investor Marcel Claure offered them this bonus if they made it to the semis!

-Tio Pelotas

@TioPelotas74

Marquez sent off for Mr. Miyagi-inspired kick

Mexican captain gets straight red as Leon bows out of Libertadores

Rafael Marquez immediately apologized on his official Twitter account for the above recklessness against Bolivian international Juan Carlos Arce following its match in the Round of 16 stage of the Copa Libertadores.

With about 15 minutes left and the match leveled at 1-1, the Mexican captain made it difficult for his Club Leon side as he was directly sent off for the challenge. The former New York Red Bulls defender did not even protest the decision as he walked off the pitch.

The 3-3 aggregate allowed Bolivar to advance onto the quarterfinals, only the fourth time the Bolivian side has done so in its history but Leon had plenty of chances and kept up with the South Americans in the skies of La Paz.

-Tio Pelotas

@TioPelotas74

Intriguing match set to kick off in La Paz

Bolivar hosts Mexico's Leon in Round of 16, second-leg match

Cant' recall the last time two Bolivian clubs have advanced past the group stage in Copa Libertadores but here they are with a chance to continue their paths onto the quarterfinals.

Bolivar and The Strongest, two rivals that are close to making some history and give Bolivian football some much-needed signs of optimism, are in favorable positions and have looked decent in the initial phases. Bolivar had the much tougher group and, more impressively, topped the table, while The Strongest relied on its home-match streak to advance.

Tonight, Bolivar hosts Mexico's Leon, captained by Rafael Marquez. The first leg in Mexico ended in a 2-2 draw but Leon can't be discounted. They eliminated Brazil's Flamengo at the famed Maracana on the last day of group play.

Also taken into consideration is the fact that the Bolivians have not lost since its initial match in Ecuador to Emelec 2-1.

Plus, these sides met in the group stage; Leon snatched a point in La Paz and Bolivar stole a win in Mexico.

It's an intriguing match and it's too bad not many know about it. But Geezer will keep you posted.

-Tio Pelotas

@TioPelotas74