Algerian champions CR Belouizdad have sacrificed their unbeaten run in their domestic league in preparation for their CAF Champions League quarterfinal first leg against Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday.
CRB will be at home at the Stade Nelson Mandela in Baraki as they seek to reach the semi-finals of this competition for the first time since it was restructured and renamed from the African Cup of Champions Clubs into the CAF Champions League in 1997.
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Such is the weight of Saturday’s game that The Reds preferred to give up their unbeaten in the domestic league on Monday in sharpening up for Sundowns.
CRB were the visitors at MC Oran on Monday night and chose to rest most of their first-team regulars and play their B team in losing 3-1.
Though they remain top of Ligue One this then means they have not won a game in their last three just like Sundowns who have not won a game in four.
This past weekend, Sundowns lost their first match since Rulani Mokwena took sole charge in October last year.
Despite Monday’s defeat, CRB remain eight points ahead with a game in hand with their fourth domestic title in a row in sight.
The Algerians’ appetite on the continent has been growing and have reached the Champions League quarterfinals for three years in a row.
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