Peñarol (Uruguay) vs Defensa y Justicia (Argentina)
Penarol are one of the worst teams in the Copa Sudamericana this term. Last time out, they lost 3-1 away at Millonarios in Colombia and lost all chances of advancing to the next round: they remain pointless after four rounds. Furthermore, El Carbonero lost 3-2 away at La Luz in Uruguayan league action, in which was a disappointing debut in the Torneo Intermedio. Overall, Alfredo Arias’ men are on three competitive matches without a win, drawing one and losing two. On a positive note, Penarol succumbed to a single defeat at home in 2023, winning seven and drawing two.
Defensa y Justicia took a big step towards next round in week four, when they managed to beat Brazil’s America Mineiro 3-2 away in a thrilling game. The team, second-placed in group F on nine points (one behind leaders Millonarios) will ensure at least a ticket to the playoff in the event of winning here. Last Saturday, Defensa saw their away game at River Plate abandoned in the 26th minute. As a result, Julio Vaccari’s men remain on 30 points, sitting in eighth spot of the Liga Profesional table with one game in hand. El Halcon won one and lost three of their last five games in all competitions, along with three draws. On away turf, they lost only one of the last five, winning three and drawing one.
Peñarol are already eliminated from this competition after colleting 0 points in 4 games, Defensa has been solid and they need to win here to keep their chances of finishing first alive, so I’ll go with the visitors to get the 3 points.