Copa Sudamericana: Libertad vs Junior de Barranquilla preview

Libertad vs Junior
Defensores del Chaco, Asunción
21/07/2021; 20:30 (01:30 BST)
Last 16, 2nd Leg

Libertad enjoy a one-goal advantage having defeated Junior 4-3 in a pulsating contest last week and will step onto the Defensores del Chaco pitch knowing history is on their side. The Gumarelo have only lost by two or more goals at home three times in 33 Sudamericana games and one of those matches was against local rival Cerro Porteño (2004). With the favourable scoreline they can also draw the Tiburón in and try and counter attack which proved an effective strategy in Colombia. 

Tito Villalba wheels away in celebration of one of his two goals in first leg Credit: Club Libertad Prensa

Daniel Garnero has often been accused of getting it wrong in big continental matches during his time in Paraguay, and while it did seem he had misread the game with his side conceding three first-half goals he stuck to his guns. In the second half they overturned the deficit but also with Marcelo Díaz playing slightly deeper they limited Junior to just one shot on target despite allowing them 66% possession. At the weekend we saw a totally changed team, in the 0-0 league draw against Guaireña, so there aren’t many conclusions to draw from that game other than Bautista Merlini started. Given his poor performance in the 1st leg we could see him replaced by Ricardo Bogarín or even Lorenzo Melgarejo who made a return to Paraguayan football after ten years. 

Watch/Listen to more of my thoughts on the first leg in the latest episode of Guaraní Vision available on YouTube and Spotify. 

The Colombians lost 3-1 at the weekend stacking up a third straight defeat and were hit by bad news during the game with striker Juan Sebastián Herrera suffering an injury. In defence both Germán Mera and his possible replacement in central defence Jefferson Gómez didn’t travel due to knocks, so they will need to plug the gap with Ditta or Rosero. The high points for Junior in the previous game were Freddy Hinestroza and veteran Carmelo Valencia, it will be important for Libertad to control that pair to avoid the danger of the tie slipping out of their grasp. 

Prediction: 2-1 – Libertad have the upper hand and with their attacking options they should see this through

Libertad XI (possible): Martín Silva; Iván Piris, Cristian Báez, Alexander Barboza, Matías Espinoza; Héctor Villalba, Hugo Martínez, Marcelo Díaz, Lorenzo Melgarejo; Óscar Cardozo, Julio Enciso

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Stats and Facts

Libertad vs Colombian opposition overall  (Copa Sudamericana)

Pld 7 W 5 D 1 L 1 GF 10 GA 5

Libertad vs Colombian opposition home (Copa Sudamericana)

Pld 3 W 3 D 0 L 0 GF 4 GA 0

The previous results were 1-0 (La Equidad), 2-0 (Itaguí) and 1-0 (Santa Fe)

Libertad recent home record (Copa Sudamericana)

Pld 7 W 6 D 0 L 1 GF 9 GA 2

Libertad only conceded once in those seven games, against Atlético Goianiense, they have scored in all of them. 

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Copa Sudamericana: Junior de Barranquilla vs Libertad preview

Junior vs Libertad
Estadio Metropolitano, Barranquilla
14/07/2021; 20:30 (01:30 BST)
Last 16, 1st Leg

Libertad will take to the field in Colombia exactly three months after their disastrous 4-1 defeat in Medellin to Atlético Nacional which saw them exit the Libertadores and parachute into this competition. Since then the Gumarelo have won the Apertura 2021 and performed well in the Sudamericana group stages, only losing once (at home to Altético Goianiense). With three big signings in the off-season they have strengthened the side and are confident they can overcome the Tiburón over two legs.

Sebastián Ferreira and Julio Enciso celebrate in win over Newell’s Old Boys in group stages Credit: Club Libertad Prensa

The Gumarelo are safe in the knowledge that they’ve qualified for the 2022 Libertadores by virtue of winning the Apertura, but that doesn’t take away from the pressure on coach Daniel Garnero to progress in this year’s Sudamericana. The Argentinian coach is one of the most successful coaches in Paraguayan league history but has struggled in continental competition, in this case he has plenty of talent and experience at his disposal. Copa América winner Marcelo Díaz, Copa Libertadores champion Camilo Mayada and UEFA Europa League finalist Lorenzo Melgarejo have all joined the side in the close season. During the group stages Garnero played a “mixed” team as he tried to save some key players for the league campaign, but I would expect in the knockouts he will put his strongest XI on the field. Against Junior it won’t be a surprise to see Óscar “Tacuara” Cardozo who was used sparingly earlier this year and last scored in this competition in the 2017 semifinals, a home win against Independiente. With Antonio Bareiro injured (torn ACL while on duty for Paraguay) it is likely we’ll see Tito Villalba on the right, his pace can test any defence in the competition.

Watch/Listen to more of my thoughts on the latest episode of Guaraní Vision available on YouTube and Spotify. 

The Colombian side have a strong home record of late, their last defeat was in February to Deportivo Cali and since then they’ve been 12 games unbeaten. In the Libertadores they drew all three home matches 1-1 and that does point to one of the team’s weaknesses, the defence. In their last 11 home matches in continental competition (Sudamericana & Libertadores) they’ve only managed two cleansheets against Bolívar and Plaza Colonia. Their attacking power in the Libertadores this season was from Miguel Borja who scored four goals, but he won’t be present for the Sudamericana having returned to parent club Palmeiras. 

Prediction: 0-1 – Libertad have improved considerably since start of the year under Garnero and have a chance to go deep in this tournament.

Libertad XI (possible): Martín Silva; Iván Piris, Cristian Báez, Alexander Barboza, Matías Espinoza; Héctor Villalba, Daniel Bocanegra, Marcelo Díaz, Lorenzo Melgarejo; Óscar Cardozo, Sebastián Ferreira

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Stats and Facts

Libertad vs Colombian opposition overall  (Copa Sudamericana)

Pld 6 W 4 D 1 L 1 GF 6 GA 2

Libertad vs Colombian opposition away (Copa Sudamericana)

Pld 3 W 1 D 1 L 1 GF 2 GA 2

The previous results were 1-0 (La Equidad), 0-1 (Itaguí) and 1-1 (Santa Fe)

Libertad recent away record (Copa Sudamericana)

Pld 6 W 2 D 3 L 1 GF 6 GA 6

Libertad have managed to score in 4 of their last 6 away games, only failing in El Cilindro vs Racing and against Atlético Goianiense, both were 0-0 draws.

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Copa Sudamericana 2012: Cerro win by the minimum margin

Cerro Porteño vs Tigre
Estadio La Olla
(1-0) 1-0 – Roberto Nanni 1′

As predicted in the preview, Cerro won to nil against their Argentine opponents and take a slender lead into the second leg to be played next week. Roberto Nanni was the scorer, heading in a Jonathan Fabbro cross just sixty seconds into the game played in a front of a passionate crowd in Barrio Obrero. The result preserves the incredible record of Cerro winning all seven Copa Sudamericana games in which Nanni has scored (3 in 2009, 4 in 2012).

Tigre were on the backfoot for most of the match but didn’t threaten from set pieces at times. The home side were comfortable in possession thanks to strong performances from captain Julio Dos Santos and Fidencio Oviedo in the middle of the park. Fabbro as ever threatened from both central and wide positions as he drifted into space to pick up the ball in the final third.

A packed Olla greeted Cerro – Photo: D10.com.py

Thankfully there were reports of crowd trouble following the shocking scenes from last week’s match against Colón in the same stadium. The result means Cerro Porteño travel to neighbouring Argentina next week knowing that one goal there will mean Tigre must score three to progress, Gorosito’s team look far from capable of that.

Cerro Porteño XI: Diego Barreto; Mariano Uglessich; César Benítez, Pedro Benítez; Carlos Bonet, Walter López, Julio Dos Santos (c), Fidencio Oviedo; Jonathan Fabbro; Roberto Nanni, Santiago Salcedo

Subs: Juan Manuel Lucero for Walter López, Domingo Salcedo for Santiago Salcedo, Victor Hugo Mareco for Fidencio Oviedo

By Ralph Hannah

Copa Sudamericana 2012: Cerro record historic win in Santa Fe

Colón vs Cerro Porteño
Estadio Brigadier General Estinaislao López
(1-1) 1-2 – Lucas Mugni; Pedro Benítez, Roberto Nanni

Just days away from their 100th anniversary the Paraguay champions savoured a historic victory against Colón in Santa Fe, winning on Argentine soil for just the third time in their history. At times they controlled possession well while at times they relied on goalkeeper Diego Barreto who pulled off some jaw-dropping saves including one from the penalty spot, but ultimately Cerro must be praised for their positive approach which reaped rewards.

Pedro ‘Ganso’ Benitez scored the first goal – Photo: D10.com.py

The visitors took the lead on 21 minutes, a flowing move resulted in a corner which Julio Dos Santos delivered towards Pedro Benítez who stooped to head home and send the 5,000 traveling fans into delirium. It also woke up Colon who began to look more threatening and particularly exploited the space on the flanks behind Cerro’s wing backs. Pedro Benítez himself almost put a cross into his own net but his misguided header was well saved by an alert Barreto. Barreto earned hero status five minutes before halftime by expertly saving Iván Moreno y Fabianesi’s penalty, guessing the right way and beating the spot kick away with an outstretched arm. The penalty was given after another cross, this time from the left, flew over the head of Paraguayan striker Jorge Achucarro at the backpost, however the referee adjudged the ex-Cerro man had been impeded by Cesar Benitez. The Colon equaliser was coming and it arrived on the stroke of halftime, a tame cross from the right was met with an even weaker clearance by Mariano Uglessich that fell into the path of Lucas Mugni. The 20-year-old midfielder finished well with his left foot and level the score as the teams entered the changing rooms.

The second half erupted into life on 51 minutes when the hot-headed Uruguayan Walter López clashed with striker Ruben Ramirez and the referee didn’t hesitate in giving the pair their marching orders. Then almost in direct response to the referee’s decision the ‘Elephant’s Graveyard’ was plunged into darkness by a power cut in the area. Fortunately the stoppage was only brief and the game could continue. I’ve spoken countless times of Cerro Porteño’s incredible scoring record in the final 15 minutes and once again they found the net late on into the game. In the preview I suggested Jorge Fossati would need to show his experience in this competition and the Uruguayan must have been pleased to see two substitutes combine for the winning goal. Edgar Gonzalez had come on for an extremely frustrated Rodrigo López to sure up the midfield and he won a 50/50 challenge in robust style before feeding the ball to Nanni who had entered the fray moments earlier. The 31-year-old forward lined up his defender before guiding a side-footed shot past the goalkeeper, an excellent finish from a natural goalscorer.

Diego Barreto made a series of superb stops including this penalty save – Photo: D10.com.py

There was still time for more drama in this action-packed match as Colón searched for an equaliser, substitute Emanuel Gigliotti thought he had scored when he connected powerfully with a ball in from the left only for Barreto to tip the ball over the crossbar. In the dying moments Barreto was outjumped at a corner but the Colón defender was denied by the woodwork as Cerro Porteño fans continue to believe that 2012 is their year.

2nd leg: 23 October 2012, Asunción, Paraguay

By Ralph Hannah

Copa Sudamericana 2012: Colón vs Cerro Porteño preview

Colón de Santa Fe vs Cerro Porteño
Estadio Brigadier General Estanislao López
27/09/2012, 20.25 (01.25 BST)

Cerro Porteño travel to Argentina for their first game in the country since the 0-0 draw with Estudiantes in the 2011 Copa Libertadores. For Jorge Fossati it is a return to the club he managed in 2002 and he expects a tough game stating that a draw wouldn’t be the end of the world. As we enter the ‘business end’ of the competition we will start to see if Fossati can draw on his experience in knock-out competitions as he looks to pick up his fourth continental trophy having won the 2009 Copa and Recopa Sudamericana before taking the AFC Champions League last year. He also finished third in the 2004 Copa América so the Uruguayan knows what is expected of him and his side at this stage of the tournament.

Hotel, Motel, Holiday Inn – Photo: D10.com.py

It will be the usual starting XI with Diego Barreto back from suspension to take his place in between the posts having missed out against Mineros. Jonathan Fabbro has four goals so far in the tournament and is as always the man to watch, but another player worth mentioning is 29-year-old Julio Dos Santos. A playmaker by trade he has had to operate deeper in order to accommodate Fabbro but has seemed to find his feet in this new role and is excellent in switching play from one flank to the other to bring Cerro’s wingbacks into play.

Cerro fans will travel in their thousands – Photo: Prensa CCP

Colón have been slightly disappointing recently and are four games without a win following a strong start to the season. In many ways that may galvanise the team, knowing that a title challenge is out of question the Copa Sudamericana is their best chance of silverware. The Santafesinos have a solid defence, as one would expect from a team coached by Sensini,  with experienced Bolivian international Ronald Raldes an important figure in the middle. Up front they will play with Ruben Ramirez and he could be partnered by the talented Emanuel Gigliotti. Former Cerro Porteño striker Jorge Achucarro isn’t expected to feature.

Cerro Porteño XI (probable): Diego Barreto; Mariano Uglessich, Pedro Benítez, César Benítez; Carlos Bonet, Fidencio Oviedo, Julio Dos Santos, Walter López; Jonathan Fabbro; Rodrigo López, Santiago Salcedo

Prediction: 1-1

Selected Odds: Colón win 1.73, Draw 3.55, Cerro Porteño win 5.5, 1-1 scoreline 7.4, Under 2.5 goals 1.72

Best Bet: Cerro have drawn both their away games so far and a feature of their play has been scoring goals, both teams to score at 2.1 is tempting, I definitely think the home win is too short here

For more betting tips visit CaStRoF betting tips

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Stats and Trivia

Cerro Porteño last 5 away (Copa Sudamericana)

Pld 5 W 1 D 2 L 2 GF 9 GA 9

Colón last 5 home (all competitions)

Pld 5 W 2 D 2 L 1 GF 8 GA 6

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FULL SQUAD LIST

GK: Roberto Junior Fernandez, Diego Barreto, Pablo Gavilan

DEF: Cesar Benitez, Pedro Benitez, Carlos Bonet, Gonzalo Viera, Walter Lopez, Mathias Corujo, Luis Cardozo

MID: Julio Dos Santos, Fidencio Oviedo, Jonathan Fabbro, Jorge Rojas, José Domingo Salcedo, Edgar Gonzalez, Juan Manuel Lucero

ATT: Rodrigo Lopez, Alejandro da Silva, Santiago Salcedo, Roberto Nanni

By Ralph Hannah

Author’s Note: All odds correct at the time of writing via Betfair

Copa Sudamericana 2012: Cerro Porteño through in style as Guaraní & Olimpia eliminated

Cerro Porteño are the only Paraguayan side left in the competition following an emphatic 4-0 win against Mineros last night. Meanwhile Olimpia and Guaraní were unable to overturn 1st leg deficits, both drawing away to end their participation in this year’s tournament.

Cerro Porteño vs Mineros de Guayana
La Olla
(1-0) 4-0 – Pedro Benítez, Santiago Salcedo, Jonathan Fabbro, Roberto Nanni
Aggregate score: 6-2

As predicted in the preview, Mineros were no match for a rampant Cerro side who struggled to find a goal in the first 30 minutes but once Pedro Benitez’s header crossed the line there was no looking back. Just 23 seconds after kick off they had doubled their lead through Santiago Salcedo who was put through by Rodrigo López. Mineros had a hand in both goals, giving away posession easily in their own half as they were unable to keep up with the pace imposed by Cerro’s pressing.

There were more chances to extend the lead but the third didn’t arrive until the 78th minute, the impressive Julio Dos Santos was denied once again by a good save before Jonathan Fabbro turned in the rebound with a crisp half volley. Dos Santos capped an excellent individual display with an outrageous backheeled pass to assist Roberto Nanni with the final goal of the night.

The next opponents for Cerro are Colón de Santa Fe with the first leg in Argentina on 27 September (21.15 kick off), with the return match in Asunción I think the Paraguayan champions have an excellent chance of getting to the quarter finals.

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Millonarios vs Guaraní
El Campín
(0-0) 1-1 – Omar Vazquez; Carlos Hidalgo

Aggregate Score: 5-3

A brave display from the current league leaders saw them take the league and put in a good account of themselves in Bogotá. However, damage done from the first leg meant Guaraní were always unlikely to progress and they bow out with the slightly odd record of being unbeaten away but winless at home after two rounds.

The aborigen did take the lead through Carlos Hidalgo’s long range effort, the Colombian has a good record against Millonarios in El Campin having scored twice against them back in 2009 for Deportivo Pasto. The home side equalised with a strike from distance too, Omar Vazquez’s swerving shot deceived Aurrecochea and crashed in off the crossbar.

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Emelec vs Olimpia
Estadio George Capwell
(0-0) 0-0

Aggregate score: 1-0

Another insipid display from Olimpia saw them knocked out of a continental competition by Emelec for the second time this year. At times Olimpia looked the better team but they couldn’t find the all important goal.

Salgueiro was neutralised for most of game – Photo: D10.com.py

Emelec stayed true to their style, direct football using Luciano Figueroas strength and Marcos Mondaini’s pace to keep the visitor’s on their toes. The game became more stretched in the final 20 minutes, Emelec felt they needed a goal and that gave the Paraguayans more space to work in around central midfield but ultimately they couldn’t find the goal as they still suffer heavily from the departures of Messrs Caballero & Zeballos to Russia.

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By Ralph Hannah

Copa Sudamericana 2012: Millonarios vs Guaraní preview

Millonarios vs Guaraní
Estadio Nemesio Camacho a.k.a El Campín
19/09/2012; 21.45 (02.45 BST)

1st Leg: 4-2

Guaraní are top of the domestic league and playing very well, but it is unlikely they’ll be chasing the double after tonight. They head into the hospitable ‘El Campín’ with a two-goal deficit from the first leg and are unable to call on the services of topscorer Diego Centurión who is struggling with injury.

Dario Ocampo is the best source of a Guaraní goal – Photo: D10.com.py

Diego Alonso will set the side up in the normal 4-4-2 with their strength on the flanks, Dario Ocampo and Iván Gonzalez Ferreira are both capable of running at defenders and delivering good balls into the box. The problem in the first leg of course was the defence, Roberto Aldama is set to play at centre back this time with Marecos out of favour, but it remains to be seen if that can sure things up sufficiently.

Guaraní celebrate their away victory in previous round – Photo: Prensa Club Guaraní

Millonarios haven’t won their two games since the first leg but they go into tonight’s clash with the pressure off thanks to an excellent display in Asunción. They are full of power and pace up front with Wason Renteria a real handful and behind him is the vastly experienced Mayer Candelo who was instrumental in all four goals for the Colombians in the last meeting. If either of those two receive the ball with a yard or two of green in front of them then it could be a tough night for Guaraní.

Guaraní XI (probable): Pablo Aurrecochea; Tomás Bartomeus, Robert Aldama, Luis Cabral, Edgar Aranda; Iván González Ferreira, Sergio Orteman, Marcelo Palau, Darío Ocampo; Dante López , Carlos Hidalgo

Prediction: 2-0

Selected Odds:  Millonarios  win 1.46, Draw 4.6,  Guaraní win 9.4, 2-0 scoreline 7.2, Under 2.5 goals 2.04

Best Bet: Was well off the mark in 1st leg predicting a tight game, will go safe here and just say home win

For more betting tips you can visit CaStRoF betting tips

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Stats and Trivia

Guaraní vs Millonarios Head-to-Head

Pld 3 W 1 D 0 L 2 GF 5 GA 9 – last meeting in Bogotá ended 5-1 to home team (in 1985)

Guaraní all-time record (Copa Sudamericana)

Pld 11 W 4 D 2 L 5 GF 14 GA 16 – 3 editions

Guaraní all-time record (Continental Competition)

Pld 107 W 32 D 28 L 47 – 17 editions

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FULL MATCH SQUAD

GK: Pablo Aurrecochea, Joel Silva

DEF: Luis Cabral, Elvis Marecos, Tomas Bartomeus, Robert Aldama, Edgar Aranda, Andreu Ramos

MID: Dario Ocampo, Marcelo Palau, Juan Aguilar, Jorge Mendoza, Sergio Orteman, Luis De la Cruz, Blas Caceres, Ivan Gonzalez Ferreira

ATT: Carlos Hidalgo, Dante Lopez

By Ralph Hannah

Author’s Note: All odds correct at the time of writing via Betfair

Copa Sudamericana 2012: Emelec vs Olimpia preview

Emelec vs Olimpia
Estadio George Capwell
18/09/2012, 21:45 (02:45 BST)

1st leg: 1-0

Olimpia go into this game knowing that only a win will take them to the last 16 to play holders Universidad de Chile. It is likely to be a difficult game, Emelec know they can sit back and counter especially with somebody like Marcos Mondaini who caused havoc in the first leg when running at the Olimpia defence. El Decano must be at the very top of their game if they are to progress.

The players in Guayaquil – Photo: http://www.clubolimpia.com.py

With the onus on them to seek the victory Gregorio Perez is going for a fairly attacking XI, Alejandro Silva and Sebastian Ariosa are the most attacking full backs and will look to constantly overlap the midfielders. Fredy Bareiro is a lone striker supported by Juan Manuel Salgueiro who will be at the fulcrum of the offensive movements. Goals have been hard to come by for the Asunción-based side in recent games, apart from three against lowly Tacuary they’ve scored just twice in the last four games.

Gregorio Perez  – Photo: D10.com.py

Emelec were excellent in the first leg, they sat back and then picked off Olimpia with Mondaini an unstoppable force with teh ball at his feet. In the end it was a set piece that brought the goal but it was won by the Argentine Mondaini on one of his surging runs. The Ecuadoreans are strong at home, winning 6 of their last 8 in the George Capwell, the only defeat in that run to Barcelona in the clásico.

A hard fought game but unless Olimpia pull of a Copa Libertadores-style miracle they’ll be going out of the competition.

Olimpia XI (probable 4-4-1-1): Martín Silva; Alejandro Silva, Salustiano Candia, Enrique Meza, Sebastián Ariosa; Jorge Núñez, Eduardo Aranda, Miguel Amado, Richard Ortiz; Juan Manuel Salgueiro; Fredy Bareiro

Prediction: 2-1

Selected Odds: Emelec win 1.99, Draw 3.4,  Olimpia win 4.7, 2-1 scoreline 10.0, Over 2.5 goals 2.3

Best Bet: Tough one but the Over 2.5 goals seems a good bet with Olimpia no option but to take the game to their opponents

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Stats and Trivia

Olimpia vs Emelec Head-to-Head

Pld 7 W 2 D 2 L 3 GF 9 GA 10

Olimpia last 5 away (Continental Competitions)

Pld 5 W 0 D 2 L 3 GF 5 GA 13

Olimpia knocked Emelec out of the 2011 Copa Sudamericana at this stage

Emelec beat Olimpia in the final group game of the 2012 Copa Libertadores to take their place in 2nd round

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Full Squad List

GK: Martín Silva, Victor Centurión

DEF:  Alfredo Rojas, Julio Cesar Cáceres, Salustiano Candia, Enrique Meza, Sebastián Ariosa, Eugenio Montiel, Alejandro Silva, Richard Salinas

MID: Eduardo Aranda, Jorge Nuñez, Osvaldo Hobecker, Fabio Caballero, Richard Ortiz, Miguel Amado

ATT: Arnaldo Castorino, Nestor Bareiro, Julio Santacruz, Juan Manuel Salgueiro, Fredy Bareiro, Maxi Biancucchi

By Ralph Hannah

Author’s Note: All odds correct at the time of writing via Betfair

Copa Sudamericana round-up: Olimpia poor, Cerro pegged back, Guaraní plastered

A disappointing week for Paraguayan sides in the Copa Sudamericana, no wins despite two home ties and the probability of all three clubs reaching the last 16 is highly unlikely. Here are a few thoughts on the games and the chances of progression to the next round.

Olimpia vs Emelec
Para Uno
(0-1) 0-1 – Nasuti

Olimpia will be concerned about losing at home, they will be annoyed that an ex-Libertad scored the winner but the most worrying problem for the Clausura 2011 winners is that they are directionless both on and off the pitch. The first half saw the home side constantly lose possession and when they did enter the attacking third they were bereft of ideas. Their attacking potency improved in the second half with the introduction of Juan Manuel Salgueiro and the full backs given license to go past the halfway line but even then Olimpia were unable to find an equaliser.

Gregorio Perez’s decision to start with Alejandro Silva in midfield and drop Salguiero, Fredy Bareiro and Arnaldo Castorino (the latter two replaced by the clearly out of shape Nestor Bareiro and short of match practice Maxi Biancucchi) was a bad one. It seems Perez doesn’t know what his best team is yet and at the moment his pragmatism is manifesting into confusion on the field of play.

Man of the Match: Mondaini (Emelec) – Olimpia just couldn’t stop him without resorting to a foul, one that eventually brought the goal

Chances of progression: Slim, Emelec will be strong at home and with the pace of players like Mondaini and Enner Valencia they can happily pick off Olimpia on the break in the 2nd leg

Potential next round opponent: Universidad de Chile (Chile)

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Mineros de Guayana vs Cerro Porteño
Estadio Cachamay
(0-1) 2-2 – Rojas, Guerra; Fabbro, Dos Santos

For only the fourth time in 18 games Cerro Porteño scored first and failed to win, there were of course extenuating circumstances. It was a routine first hour for Cerro with the away side two goals up and playing very well then on the hour Mineros’ best player Alejandro Guerra was brought down by goalkeeper Diego Barreto. The ensuing penalty and red card changed the game although replays showed that Guerra received the ball in an offisde position.

Cerro can be pleased with how the 11 men played, Jonathan Fabbro and Julio Dos Santos found themselves in space consistently during  that first 60 minutes and created plenty of chances. It was those two who were rewarded with goals, Fabbro another sublime freekick while Dos Santos’ emphatic finish came after a patient build-up and Rodrigo López’s header that struck the post only to rebound to the midfielder. Mineros looked good when they got the ball to Guerra so it was fitting that he made his mark on the game, if the Venezuelans are to progress they will need the man who now has three goals in the competition to be on song.

Man of the Match: Jonathan Fabbro (Cerro Porteño) – Undoubtedly one of the best player’s on the continent in terms of current form

Chances of progression: High, Cerro should have no problem beating Mineros in front of their home crowd and with 11 men on the pitch

Potential next round opponent: Colón de Santa Fe (Argentina)

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Guaraní vs Millonarios

Dos Bocas

(0-1) 2-4 – Hidalgo, De la Cruz; Cosme (2), Renteria, Robayo

A mental match that had everything, six goals, a penalty miss, a red card and a vintage display from veteran Mayer Candelo who set up three of the four goals for the away team. The first half was hardly an indicator of what was to come, Guaraní wasted some good chances and found themselves a goal down at the break after Candelo had too much time to pick his pass to Wilberto Cosme who put the visitors ahead. In many respects this was similar to the game against Oriente Petrolero.

Everything changed in the second period in a crazy seven minute spell, Wason Renteria used his strength to double Millonarios’ lead and then Diego Centurión spurned a golden chance for the Paraguayans blazing his penalty kick over the bar. Two minutes later and it was 3-0 as Cosme scored his second of the game as the aborigen couldn’t get the ball off him. Credit to coach Diego Alonso who realised there was no point standing for damage limitation – off came a midfielder for a striker as Guaraní knew they had to score to have a chance. They got the goal from Carlos Hidalgo vía a corner and then Cosme found himself heading to an early bath for a straight red having led with the arm in an aerial challenge with Marcelo Palau. Even with ten men the Colombians managed to score, Rafael Robayo with a cheeky goal on 86 minutes. It didn’t end there, substitutes Dante López and Luis de la Cruz combined for a second goal, the latter scoring after the former had hit the post.

Man of the Match: Mayer Candelo (Millonarios) – Aided by having two effective strikers in front of him, the 35-year-old’s incisive passing was critical

Chances of progression: Slim to none, Millonarios will be capable of scoring in Bogotá meaning Guaraní need four goals of their own

Potential next round opponent: Palmeiras (Brazil)

By Ralph Hannah

Copa Sudamericana 2012: Guaraní vs Millonarios preview

Guaraní vs Millonarios
Estadio Rogelio Livieres a.k.a Dos Bocas
30/08/2012, 20:45 (01:45 BST)

The Paraguayan outfit are enjoying life under new coach Diego Alonso although it all seemed so different when they crashed to a defeat at home to Oriente Petrolero in the first game of the Copa Sudamericana. Since then they are unbeaten in the league and like tonight’s opponents, Millonarios, sit top of their domestic league. This is the first meeting between the two sides in this competition.

Guaraní await Millonarios in the sun – Photo: Prensa Club Guaraní

Guaraní usually play with a 4-4-2 that often becomes a 4-2-2-2 with the wingers Dario Ocampo and Iván Gonzalez Ferreira often looking to cut inside rather than take on their full backs. The Uruguayan duo in central midfield protect a fairly slow back four so it will be important for Sergio Orteman and Marcelo Palau to keep hold of the ball and win it back as quickly as possible to avoid their defenders being exposed one-on-one. They are a side that often create chances but must be more clinical, against Oriente Petrolero they were terribly wasteful in the first leg and paid the price. Both Diego Centurión and Dante López are strong in the air so Millonarios will have to disciplined and not give away too many free kicks in dangerous areas.

Guaraní celebrate their victory in previous round – Photo: Prensa Club Guaraní

Millonarios themselves are in great form in the Colombian league, they’ve won five out of their six games so far. They beat Peruvian side Inti Gas in the last round, a goalless draw in the first leg in Ayacucho was followed up by a convincing 3-0 win in Bogotá. The major attacking threat is Wason Renteria who was sought after by several Paraguayan clubs at the turn of the year but his salary demands placed him out of reach. They also have 35-year-old Mayer Candelo in midfield who provides the creative spark, it should be a fascinating tussle between him and Orteman and the winner of that duel could have a direct effect on the result of the game.

Guaraní XI (probable): Pablo Aurrecochea; Tomás Bartomeus, Robert Aldama, Luis Cabral, Elvis Marecos; Iván González Ferreira, Sergio Orteman, Marcelo Palau, Darío Ocampo; Dante López , Diego Centurión

Prediction: 1-0

Selected Odds: Guaraní win 2.34, Draw 3.4, Millonarios  win 3.4, 1-0 scoreline 8.0, Under 2.5 goals 1.7

Best Bet: Under 2.5 goals as first legs are usually tight and Millonarios are likely to play this safe and hope to win 2nd leg

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Stats and Trivia

Guaraní vs Millonarios Head-to-Head

Pld 2 W 1 D 0 L 1 GF 3 GA 5 – this was the 1985 Copa Libertadores group stages, with Guaraní winning 2-0 in Asuncion before getting thrashed 5-1 in Bogotá

Guaraní all-time record (Copa Sudamericana)

Pld 10 W 4 D 2 L 4 GF 12GA 12 – 3 editions

Guaraní all-time record (Continental Competition)

Pld 106 W 32 D 28 L 46 – 17 editions

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FULL MATCH SQUAD

GK: Pablo Aurrecochea, Joel Silva

DEF: Luis Cabral, Elvis Marecos, Tomas Bartomeus, Robert Aldama, Edgar Aranda

MID: Dario Ocampo, Marcelo Palau, Juan Aguilar, Jorge Mendoza, Sergio Orteman, Luis De la Cruz, Blas Caceres, Ivan Gonzalez Ferreira

ATT: Carlos Hidalgo, Diego Centurion, Dante Lopez

By Ralph Hannah

Author’s Note: All odds correct at the time of writing via Betfair