BUENOS AIRES - Boca Juniors defender Claudio Morel Rodriguez has warned his team-mates they cannot afford to drop points at home as they prepare to welcome Mexican side Atlas to La Bombonera in the Copa Libertadores.
The reigning champions are still searching for their first win in this season's competition after being held to a 1-1 away draw by Venezuela's Maracaibo two weeks ago.
The winner of Thursday's clash will go top of Group Three and, with four further games to come before the play-offs, Rodriguez knows the importance of strong home form.
The Paraguayan said: "Home matches are crucial in the Copa Libertadores campaign. You must win the three you have in group stage and then clinch some away to secure qualification comfortably."
Atlas, coached by former Boca player and coach Miguel Brindisi, have had an up-and-down season in the Mexican league.
But midfielder Emanuel Centurion believes Boca are the perfect opponents as they look for a confidence-boosting result.
He said: "Maybe people are waiting for this match to see how the team react. I think playing Boca is good motivation and we'll try to clinch a good result if we can."
On Tuesday in Belo Horizonte, Cruzeiro and Caracas will battle it out for the Group One leadership.
Bolivian forward Marcelo Moreno Martins knows the Brazilians will have their work cut out against the Venezuelans, who are flying high in their domestic league.
"Caracas are a hard team to beat and they lead our group," he said. "We depend on ourselves to take the lead, but we must have what it takes to prove it on the field."
In Group Six, Santos and Mexican giants Guadalajara also clash on Tuesday, with top spot the prize for the winners.
Guadalajara coach Efrain Flores said: "Santos have a special history in Brazilian and world football.
"They want to do well in the Copa Libertadores. We are hoping to play the best Santos, the Santos with Pele's mystic."
Groups Seven and Eight are the only two which have all their teams in action this week.
After their 1-1 draw last week, Colombian giants Nacional and Brazilian favourites Sao Paulo go in search of home wins in Group Seven.
The Brazilians, led by international striker Adriano, who is on loan from Internazionale, face Audax Italiano of Chile, while Nacional play group leaders Sportivo Luqueno of Paraguay.
In Group Eight, meanwhile, Copa Sudamericana champions Arsenal fly to Rio de Janeiro to visit Fluminense.
Arsenal are looking to build on their opening 1-0 win over Libertad of Paraguay and also their impressive form in the Argentinian league, where they have claimed three victories from four games.
Ecuadorian giants Liga Deportiva Universitaria and Libertad go head to head in Quito.
On Wednesday, Danubio and Argentinian side Estudiantes meet in Uruguay, with both looking to join Lanus of Argentina and Deportivo Cuenca of Ecuador at the top of the Group Two table on four points.
Elsewhere, Brazilian giants Flamengo will look to maintain their unbeaten start to Group Four when they travel to Uruguayan side Nacional.
