Defensa y Justicia climbed into third spot of Group G thanks after collecting their first three points thanks to a 3-0 home success over Delfin last Thursday. In case of beating Olimpia here, they would be second-placed. Hernan Crespo’s men managed seven points in their last five matches in all competitions, but they have been strong at home lately, with six wins, two draws and a single defeat in the last nine games.
Olimpia managed a valuable point after a scoreless draw away at Santos in spite of Rodrigo Rojas’ sending-off in the second half. As a result, the team remain in second place with five points, two behind their last opponents. Last Sunday, Olimpia thrashed Sportivo Luqueno 7-0 even though coach Daniel Garnero fielded an alternative XI. They are now sitting in second in the Torneo Apertura table on 21 points, five less than leaders Cerro Porteno. The side made it four games unbeaten (three wins and one draw) without even conceding. Away from home, Olimpia lost one of the last nine (winning four and drawing four).
Defensa showed great offensive power in their 3-0 win last week and it’s not a surprise because that’s how Hernan Crespo likes his teams. I expect an open game here where neither can afford a defeat, so I expect to see goals.