Six Brazilian teams play for the Sudamericana

Three matches involving a total of six teams from the Brazilian League open the country's stage in the Copa Sudamericana - or the South-American Cup, a competition similar to the UEFA Cup in Europe, and second to the Libertadores in order of importance in South America.

Parana and Atletico Paranaense play the first leg of their matchup in Curitiba, with the winner of the home and away series facing Argentina's River Plate in the next round. Atletico has full Jean and Michel back to the team, after they missed the embarrassing 5-0 loss at home to Botafogo on Sunday, in the Brazilian Serie A. Parana has lost four straight in the National competition, and will have forward Cristiano back. Sandro could also be picked to start in place of Batista or Joelson.

In Rio de Janeiro, Vasco faces Corinthians - the only team allowed by the Brazilian Federation to participate in the Libertadores and Sudamericana, for having won the Brazilian League last year. Corinthians will have its full squad for the game, trying to keep the momentum that shifted the club from the relegation zone in the Brazilian Serie A. However, the team will still not have its three newest signings - Magrao, Amoroso and Cesar. Left back Gustavo Nery could return. Vasco will also have all its regular starters, except Wagner Diniz and Ramon, who are out with injuries.

Finally, Santos hosts Cruzeiro at the Pacaembu, in Sao Paulo, still in good spirits thanks to the 5-1 win over Palmeiras on Sunday. The team will probably field quite a few youngsters and reserves, trying to keep its main squad rested for the national tournament, considered the club's top priority for the year. Midfielder Wagner is out for Cruzeiro, who will probably have Leandro Bonfim in his place.

Botafogo and Fluminense complete the first leg of the Brazilian stage in the tournament on Thursday, at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro.