27 May 2009
By Caracas FC Press

The clock is ticking down. Just hours to go now before Caracas FC face Brazilian aces Gremio in the first leg of the Copa Santander Libertadores quarterfinals at the UCV’s Olympic Stadium in an 8.20pm kick off.

Thousands of fans are expected to fill the ground as the Reds attempt to continue their glorious run in the South American equivalent of the Champions League.

Having topped their group earlier this year beating Lanus of Argentina, Everton of Chile and Chivas of Mexico at home, the Reds then excelled in thrashing Deportivo Cuenca of Ecuador 4-0 at home after losing 2-1 away in their last 16 battle.

Now comes a huge test hot on the heels of Caracas FC’s 1-1 draw at the weekend against Deportivo Italia in the opening leg of the Venezuelan league championship Grand Final.

The return leg of that competition is this Sunday, May 31 at the Olympic Stadium in a 4pm start.

Meanwhile, Caracas face probably their toughest match to date against the dazzling Brazilians – one of four teams from that nation to make the quarterfinals.

To illustrate how difficult a competition it is, perennial Copa Santander Libertadores winners Boca Juniors were beaten in their last 16 encounter this season after practically cruising through their group games.

For Caracas, it is the most important eight days of their season in what is perhaps their best-ever performance in the short history of the club.  

They have never gone this far before in the competition and to top their group as they did against such recognised teams was in itself a wonderful achievement.

Now they target a breathtaking semi-final berth, an option which shows how much Venezuelan professional football has advanced in the last few years with Caracas leading the way as the country’s most successful side.