Atletico Goianiense (Brazil) vs Newell’s (Argentina)
Atletico Goianiense finished in 13th spot in the Brazilian league in 2020 and qualified for the Copa Sudamericana for the second time ever (having reached the round-of-16 in 2012). On Saturday, the side beat fourth-level outfit Atletico Catalano 3-1 at home to remain as group A leaders in the Goias State Championship, having earned 25 points from 27 available (and leading Gremio Anapolis by five). O Dragao are holding a 15-match unbeaten run of 12 victories and three draws in regular time and they also are unbeaten in their last ten at home (winning eight and drawing two). However, most of those games were against lower-division teams.
Eighth-placed in the 2019/20 Argentine league table, Newell’s Old Boys will start their eighth campaign in the Copa Sudamericana after losing in the first round in 2018. Last Saturday, the side managed a 2-0 home success over Patronato to make it five matches without defeat since coach German Burgos’ arrival (two straight victories and three draws). However, the team accumulated only ten points in as many rounds in league action, which means they are out of the fight for a ticket to the playoffs. Newell’s won their last away game at Lanus to stop a three-match losing streak on the road.
Even if Newell’s managed not to lose lately, I still can’t consider them a solid team. They won’t have winger Jonathan Cristaldo and that could be a problem for them so I’m going with the hosts to win this first leg.