Universidad Cesar Vallejo (Peru) – Defensa y Justicia (Argentina)

Eighth-placed in the 2023 Peruvian league, Universidad Cesar Vallejo advanced to the Copa Sudamericana group stage in March, when beating Sport Huancayo 2-0 in the playoff. On a sorry note, they drew 0-0 against Universitario at home last Saturday to make it three competitive games without a win since then (two stalemates and one defeat). In fact, El Poeta are now occupying the penultimate spot in the league rankings, accumulating just seven points in nine matches so far. On a positive note, UCV are on six home matches unbeaten, winning three and drawing three in that spell.

Meanwhile, Defensa y Justicia will fight for their second Copa Sudamericana title (champions in 2020) thanks to their ninth spot in the Argentine aggregate rankings in 2023. Last Friday, El Halcon secured a massive 1-0 home success over Estudiantes to enter the playoff zone in the Copa Liga Profesional group B, accumulating 20 points in 12 matches and leading fifth-placed Boca Juniors by one. Julio Vaccari’s men lost only one of their last five matches in all competitions, winning two and drawing two. As the visiting side, they are on five without defeat: it’s been two wins and three draws.