Peñarol (Uruguay) – Rosario Central (Argentina)

Penarol took a big step towards the Copa Libertadores’ round-of-16 by beating Atletico Mineiro from Brazil 2-0 at home, with Lucas Hernandez and Maximiliano Silvera scoring. El Carbonero remain second-placed in group G on nine points and will secure a spot in the knockout stage in the event of avoiding the defeat here. Last Thursday, the team beat Progreso 3-1 at home to celebrate the Torneo Apertura title that they had lifted a week before. Penarol are unbeaten in their last seven matches in all competitions, winning six and drawing one. At home, they are going through a four-match winning streak.

Rosario Central kept their hope alive in the Copa Libertadores following an easy 4-1 home success over Venezuelan side Caracas FC. As a result, El Canalla made it seven points in five matches, occupying third spot in group G and trailing Penarol (in second) by two, which means they will advance to the round-of-16 if they win in Montevideo. On Friday, coach Miguel Russo fielded an alternative XI but they were still able to beat Deportivo Riestra 2-0 away to make it four points in three Liga Profesional rounds. In fact, Central are now on three competitive games unbeaten (winning two and drawing one) and managed to stop a seven-game winless streak on away turf (one draw and six losses).

Rosario Central must win to advance, otherwise they will move to the Copa Sudamericana playoffs. A draw or a defeat is exactly the same for them so sooner than later they will need to take risks and we should have an open game with this Peñarol that won’t have defensive midfielder Mendez and their starting goalkeeper, De Amores.

BET: OVER 2.25 @ 2.03