Belgrano (Argentina) vs Atletico Paranaense (Brazil)

Belgrano couldn’t hold onto their early lead and succumbed to a devastating 2-1 away defeat at Athletico Paranaense last Thursday, claiming for a controversial disallowed equaliser just twenty minutes before the final whistle. On Saturday, coach Juan Cruz Real fielded an alternative XI and his team ended up losing 1-0 away at league leaders Huracan. El Pirata remain on 16 points in 11 Liga Profesional rounds and made it four competitive matches without a win, drawing two and losing two. On a positive note, Belgrano are unbeaten in their last eight as the home side, with five victories and three stalemate. They will host this one at Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes on Thursday.

Athletico Paranaense secured a massive 2-1 home success over Belgrano in the Copa Sudamericana round-of-16 first leg, reversing the score thanks to goals from Erick and Christian. On Sunday, O Furacao lost 2-1 to EC Juventude at home, dropping down to ninth spot of the Brazilian league table on 29 points and also stopping a three-match unbeaten streak of two victories and one draw. On away turf, Paranaense secured seven points from the last nine available.

Belgrano deserved better luck last week and in fact they scored an equalizer that was wrongfully cancelled by VAR so I’ll trust them here to get the win they need to at least take this series to a penalties shootout.

BET: Belgrano DNB @ 1.85