Universitario de Deportes (Peru) vs Gimnasia (Argentina)
Universitario wasted the chance of becoming group G leaders in their last Copa Sudamericana game, when they lost 2-0 away at Independiente Santa Fe in Colombia. Following that defeat, they are now sitting in second on seven points, leading their last opponents just by goals scored, which means only a win here will guarantee them a spot in the playoff (or even in the round-of-16). Last Thursday, La U drew 1-1 away at Cienciano, which means they are now sitting in third spot of the Peruvian league table on 34 points in 18 rounds. Universitario are winless in their last three competitive matches, drawing one and losing two. However, they hold an impressive home run of ten games unbeaten, with nine successes and one stalemate.
On the other hand, Gimnasia LP are virtually out of the competition. Having drawn 0-0 away at Goias EC in week five, they remain bottom in group G on four points, three behind Independiente Santa Fe and Universitario: Sebastian Romero’s men need to win at least by a two-goal margin and wait for the Brazilians to win in Colombia to fight for a ticket to the playoff. Last Wednesday, the team drew 0-0 away at CA Central Cordoba to make it 26 points in 21 league games this term, which is enough to occupy 16th place. Gimnasia lost only one of their last six matches in all competitions, winning two and drawing three. On the road, they are on four without a win and without even scoring (two stalemates and two defeats since beating Sarandi Arsenal 1-0 in early May).
Gimnasia needs a miracle here: a 2+ goals win and some help in the other game. With the way they’ve been playing I can’t see this happening, so I’ll go with the hosts who have been very solid at home and also need a win to advance to the next stage of this competition.