Estudiantes (Argentina) vs Nacional (Uruguay)
Estudiantes took another big step towards the next round last Tuesday, when they managed to beat Red Bull Bragantino 2-0 at home thanks to goals from Agustin Rogel and Mauro Boselli. As a result, the team are leaders in group C with seven points and need only three more to advance. On Friday, the team also beat Aldosivi 2-1 at home to secure the first place in the Copa Liga Profesional’s group B, accumulating 28 points in 13 games. Overall, El Pincha are on 12 matches unbeaten (eight victories and four draws). At home, they won the last six since losing to Boca Juniors 1-0 in March.
With striker Emmanuel Gigliotti netting a brace, Nacional secured a huge 2-1 away success at Velez Sarsfield last week to keep their hope alive in the Copa Libertadores. The side are now on four points, trailing second-placed Red Bull Bragantino only by goal difference. There haven’t been league action in Uruguay last weekend, which means El Bolso remain sitting in fifth place of the Torneo Apertura table on 16 points after ten rounds, trailing leaders Deportivo Maldonado by six. Pablo Repetto’s men are on five games unbeaten in all competitions, winning three and drawing two. Furthermore, they won the last three away games in a row.
If Estudiantes wins they will have pretty much secured a place in the next stage, and I expect them to continue with their great form to take the 3 points.