Estudiantes will have an encounter with Athletico Paranaense in the quarter-finals of the Copa Libertadores on Thursday, with the two sides having played out a goalless draw last week.
For a side who have generally found themselves sliding on a downward course in recent years, currently sitting 23rd in Argentina’s Primera Division after 12 matches, Thursday’s quarter-final tie is a huge one for Estudiantes and their passionate fanbase.
The have not reached the last eight of the Copa Sudamericana since 2010, which was one year after they last won it in 2009.
Juan Sebastian Veron won player of the tournament in that year after a series of superb performances for his boyhood club, whom he is now chairman of as he looks to help restore the glory years in La Plata.
Ricardo Zielinski is under immense pressure to advance into the semi-finals given their slide down the league table this season, but he will know not to underestimate their fourthcoming opponents despite keeping them at arms length away from home last week.
Despite having 23 shots and 67% possession across the 90 minutes at Arena da Baixada, Athletico Paranaense managed to test opposing goalkeeper Mariano Andujar only twice in somewhat wasteful display.
As it is time and again when Brazilian sides meet Argentinian rivals, it was an uneven affair, with 27 fouls and six yellow cards overall doing little to help the hosts find their rhythm and a crucial breakthrough.
After winning the Copa Sudamericana for the second time last year, Felipe Scolari is aiming to guide Paranaense to a Copa Libertadores victory for the first time in the club’s history.
However, he has a tough job in terms of helping his side avoid defeat in what is likely to be a ferociously passionate atmosphere against an extremely well-organised opponent.
Estudiantes vs Athletico Paranaense head to head
The two teams have previously met on just one occasion in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana quarter-finals, where they played out a goalless draw.
Athletico Paranaense 0-0 Estudiantes 05/08/22
Estudiantes latest home form
Estudiantes have recently been on a relatively good run of form at home, having been unbeaten in their four most recent matches. They played out a goalless draw with Banfield in their last home game in the league. In their last five matches, they have scored eight goals and conceded five.
Estudiantes 0-2 Newell’s Old Boys 26/06/22
Estudiantes 3-0 Fortaleza 08/07/22
Estudiantes 2-2 Central Cordoba SdE 10/07/22
Estudiantes 3-1 Barracas Central 21/07/22
Estudiantes 0-0 Banfield 31/07/22
Estudiantes latest away form
Estudiantes have recently failed to keep a good run of form on the road, having been winless in their eight most recent matches. They drew 0-0 with San Lorenzo in their last away game in the league. In their last five matches, they have scored two goals and conceded six.
Belgrano 1-0 Estudiantes 13/07/22
Tigre 2-1 Estudiantes 18/07/22
Boca Juniors 3-1 Estudiantes 25/07/22
Athletico Paranaense 0-0 Estudiantes 05/08/22
San Lorenzo 0-0 Estudiantes 07/08/22
Athletico Paranaense latest home form
Athletico Paranaense have recently been on a good run of form at home, and have been unbeaten in their five most recent matches. They drew 0-0 with Estudiantes in their last home game in the Copa Libertadores. In their last five matches, they have scored seven goals and conceded two.
Athletico Paranaense 2-1 Bahia 13/07/22
Athletico Paranaense 0-0 Internacional 16/07/22
Athletico Paranaense 4-1 Atletico Goianiense 21/07/22
Athletico Paranaense 1-0 Sao Paulo 31/07/22
Athletico Paranaense 0-0 Estudiantes 05/08/22
Athletico Paranaense latest away form
Athletico Paranaense have recently failed to keep a good run of form on the road, having won just one of their five most recent matches. They defeated Atletico Mineiro 3-2 in their last away game in the league. In their last five matches, they have scored five goals and conceded seven.
Libertad 1-1 Athletico Paranaense 06/07/22
Goias 2-1 Athletico Paranaense 10/07/22
Botafogo 2-0 Athletico Paranaense 24/07/22
Flamengo 0-0 Athletico Paranaense 28/07/22
Atletico Mineiro 2-3 Athletico Paranaense 08/08/22
Estudiantes news
Estudiantes will be without Ezequiel Munoz and Fabian Noguera, who are both some time away from returning from serious knee injuries.
Zielinski made 10 changes for the weekend game against San Lorenzo, with only central defender Luciano Lollo keeping his place, and he could pick the XI who played in Brazil last week.
Athletico Paranaense news
Athletico Paranaense will travel without winger Marlos due to calf injury, while Christiano Cardoso is also doubtful as he continues his recovery from a knee issue.
Vitor Roque scored twice in the weekend’s league victory and should receive the nod in place of Pablo, while Vitinho may keep his place on the left flank.
Prediction and Odds
Estudiantes have played out goalless draws in each of their last three matches, and with so much at stake it would not be a surprise if a similar outcome occurs on Thursday.
The hosts are incredibly tough to break down and the visitors should fight to come away with a positive result.
Odds: 1 2.20 X 2.05 2 2.30
Probable outcomes
Estudiantes 0-0 Athletico Paranaense
Estudiantes 1-1 Athletico Paranaense
Estudiantes 2-2 Athletico Paranaense
Estudiantes 1-0 Athletico Paranaense
Estudiantes 2-1 Athletico Paranaense
