Estudiantes (Argentina) vs Fortaleza (Brazil)
Estudiantes managed an important 1-1 away draw at Fortaleza EC last Thursday after conceding first. Now they have the chance of reaching the quarter-finals by winning at home. Last Monday, the team succumbed to a 2-1 away defeat at Sarandi Arsenal (despite fielding most of his usual regulars). El Pincha remain on seven points in six matches in the Liga Profesional while they made it four winless matches in all competitions, drawing one and losing three since beating Sarmiento 2-1 on June 14th. Ricardo Zielinski’s men lost their last home match (2-0 to Newell’s Old Boys), which stopped their 11-game unbeaten streak of nine victories and two draws at their own stadium.
Fortaleza EC had to settle for a 1-1 home draw against Estudiantes in their first match in the Libertadores’ knockout stage in history. The team continue to struggle in the league: last Sunday, they lost 2-1 away at Coritiba and remain occupying the bottom spot of the Brasileirao table on ten points, seven behind the last safe place regarding relegation. Juan Pablo Vojvoda’s men are on three matches without a win in all competitions, drawing one and losing two. On away turf, Fortaleza are on three defeats in a row.
Estudiantes has been struggling lately but they are a club with a big history in this competition and some experienced players, so I think they will step up and win here to advance.