Rosario Central (Argentina) – Fortaleza (Brazil)
Rosario Central advanced to the Copa Sudamericana round of 16 thanks to a massive 1-1 away stalemate at SC Internacional in Brazil, beating them 2-1 on aggregate in the playoff. Last Saturday, they won 1-0 at home over Newell’s Old Boys in a heated city derby to make it two consecutive victories under interim boss Matias Lequi, accumulating 15 points in ten Liga Profesional rounds so far. Central also won three of their last four at Estadio Gigante de Arroyito, losing only once in that time.
Meanwhile, Fortaleza EC skipped the playoff as a result of finishing at the top of the group D table, beating Sportivo Trinidense 2-1 at home to make it 13 points (two above second-placed Boca Juniors). On Saturday, O Leao won 1-0 over Criciuma EC at home to hold onto second spot of the Brazilian league table on 42 points (one behind leaders Botafogo FR). Juan Pablo Vojvoda’s men are unbeaten in their last eight in all competitions, winning seven and drawing one. On away turf, Fortaleza grabbed seven points from the last nine on offer.
Despite a 1-0 in the derby vs Newell’s last weekend, Rosario Central are not playing well lately and I expect them to struggle against the brazilian league 2nd placed team who are on a amazing streak of wins. The hosts won’t have striker Marco Ruben, his replacement Bruno Copetti is not playing well and they should have trouble to score here against the team with the 2nd best defense in their local league (19 goals conceded in 21 games).