Brazil will be represented by eight teams: Palmeiras, Atlético-MG, Flamengo, Corinthians, Fortaleza, RB Bragantino, Athletico Paranaense and América-MG
On Friday afternoon, Conmebol held the draw that defined this year’s Libertadores groups. The event was held in Luque, Paraguay, where the entity’s headquarters are located. Among the highlights, Corinthians, in Group E, will face Boca Juniors, from Argentina, opponents of the São Paulo team title in 2012. There will also be a classic from Minas Gerais in Group D, between Atlético-MG and América-MG.
According to the regulations, teams from the same country do not face each other in the group stage, with the exception of teams that have advanced from the preliminary stages. That was the case of América-MG, which fell in the Galo group.
Conmebol increased the amounts allocated to teams that will compete in Libertadores. The champion will take, in all, adding up all the stages, just over 23 million dollars. For the title alone, the amount increased from 15 million to 16 million dollars.
Each club will receive US$3 million for the group stage, US$1.05 million for the round of 16, US$1.5 million for the quarter-finals and 2 million for the semi-final. The runner-up gets 6 million.
Check the groups:
Group A – Palmeiras, Emelec (EQU), Deportivo Táchira (VEN) and Independiente Petrolero (BOL)
Group B – Athletico-PR, Libertad (PAR), Caracas (VEN) and The Strongest (BOL)
Group C – Nacional (URU), Vélez Sarsfield (ARG), Bragantino and Estudiantes (ARG)
Group D – Atlético-MG, Indep. Del Valle (EQU), Tolima (PER) and América-MG
Group E – Boca Juniors (ARG), Corinthians, Deportivo Cali (COL) and Always Ready (BOL)
Group F – River Plate (ARG), Colo-Colo (CHI), Alianza Lima (PER) and Fortaleza
Group G – Peñarol (URU), Cerro Porteño (PAR), Colón (ARG) and Olímpia (PAR)
Group H – Flamengo, Universidad Católica (CHI), Sporting Cristal (PER) and Talleres (ARG)
