Bragantino (Brazil) vs Estudiantes (Argentina)
Red Bull Bragantino remain perfect in the Copa Sudamericana following their easy 5-0 home victory over Oriente Petrolero in week two: they collected all six points so far and are group C leaders over Estudiantes by goal difference. However, Massa Bruta also lost 3-0 to Cruzeiro at home last Saturday, which means they collected four points in three rounds in the league so far. In fact, that defeat stopped a five-match unbeaten streak of three victories and two draws in regular time and also a six-game streak without defeat at home, winning five and drawing one (in competitive action).
Estudiantes also took all six points in this competition in 2023. Last time out, they haven’t found any difficulties to beat Paraguay’s Tacuary 4-0 at home. On Thursday, they also won 2-1 away at Platense to extend their excellent moment of form: El Pincha are unbeaten in their last eight competitive matches, having won seven and drawn one in that stretch. Also they climbed into fifth spot of the Liga Profesional table on 24 points. Furthermore, Estudiantes are on four road victories in a row since losing the city derby at Gimnasia LP 2-1.
Estudiantes won’t have their legendary goalkeeper Mariano Andujar and important defensive midfielder Santiago Acacibar, and they should struggle against this very solid Bragantino team that are perfect so far in this competition.