Gimnasia (Argentina) vs Universitario (Peru)
Gimnasia LP are back in continental action after five years of absence after producing an excellent campaign in the league last year, sitting in sixth place in the aggregate table. But things are tougher for them this term: El Lobo lost 3-1 away at Rosario Central last Friday, which means they remain on eight points in the Liga Profesional, just two points above the bottom spot (which means relegation). Sebastian Romero’s men won only one of their last six competitive matches, drawing two and losing three in regular time. At home, Gimnasia are on three games unbeaten, with two victories and one stalemate since losing to Defensa y Justicia 2-0 in February.
Universitario found it easy to beat Cienciano in the first stage: a 2-0 home success allowed them to enter the group draw. Last Friday, they secured a scoreless stalemate at Deportivo Garcilaso to occupy third spot in the Peruvian league table, accumulating 16 points in nine matches and trailing leaders Alianza Lima by two. Jorge Fossati’s men have been unbeaten in their last six matches, winning five and drawing one. However, they claimed a single victory across their four away games in 2023, along with one stalemate and two defeats.
Can’t see this irregular and poor Gimnasia as such big favorites. Universitario is an experienced team in this competitions and can get something from this game.