Velez (Argentina) vs Estudiantes (Argentina)
Velez Sarsfield are holding their chances of advancing to the Copa Libertadores’ round-of-16 after securing their first win in this competition last Wednesday, when beating Nacional 3-2 away. The team climbed into third place in group C on five points and are now trailing Red Bull Bragantino by goal difference. El Fortin need to win and wait for the Brazilians to fail at Nacional. Already out of the league, Julio Vaccari’s men made it four competitive games unbeaten in all competitions, winning two and drawing two. At home, Velez won the last one (3-2 over Tigre) to stop a four-game winless run of two draws and two losses.
Meanwhile, Estudiantes secured their ticket to next round (and also the first place in group C) by beating Red Bull Bragantino 1-0 away thanks to a goal from Gustavo Del Prete. El Pincha made it 13 points in five games and will rest all his regulars in this game. Having lost to Argentinos Juniors on penalties in the Copa Liga Profesional’s quarter-finals, Ricardo Zielinski’s men suffered a single defeat across their last 16 matches in all competitions, winning ten and drawing five. On away turf, Estudiantes won four, drew five and lost two in 2022.
Velez must win to have a chance of advancing to the next stage and they might need to do it by as many goals as possible depending on what happens on the other game of the group, Estudiantes will use a team full of reserves because they have already secured the 1st place, so I expect an open game here with goals between a team that must score and dominate and a relaxed one.