Nacional will host Brazilian side Bragantino on Tuesday at Estadio Gran Parque Central in Montevideo, with a spot in the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals at stake with kickoff at 2:15 am.
Nacional represents Uruguay’s final hope at this year’s Copa Libertadores, as they aim to make it into the knockout stage for the second time in three years. Since 2016, they are the only team from Uruguay who has made it beyond the group stage of South America’s most prestigious club competition. If not for some late drama on matchday five, Pablo Repetto and his side would be in a much better position as they conceded a goal in the 94th minute to Velez Sarsfield that cost them three points.
That was the only time they scored first in the group stage, and they have not won against a Brazilian team in this tournament since 2019. Their last-minute loss to Velez Sarsfield was only their second defeat at home this year after three wins in their previous four matches played in Montevideo.
After coming so close to earning a valuable point on matchday five, Mauricio Barbieri and his team know they need to win all three points on Tuesday if they hope to move on. Massa Bruta has a goal differential of -1, which is the only thing keeping them ahead of Velez Sarsfield in third; The Argentines are at -3.
Nacional vs Braganinto Head to Head
Both sides have one game against with visitors taking the early win while hosts still winless. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Braganinto 1-2 Palmeiras
- Sao Paulo 2-1 Braganinto
- Kindermann 1-0 Braganinto
- Braganinto 1-1 Sao Jose
Away
- Nacional 1-7 Palmeiras
- Portuguesa 3-2 Nacional
- Sao Jose 2-0 Nacional
- Nacional 2-0 Pinda SC
Nacional Team News
Yonathan Rodriguez and Diego Zabala scored in their 2-0 victory over Albion this weekend, as Nacional moved into a tie for first in their domestic league alongside Maldonado. The win also extended their unbeaten streak to six matches, with Emmanuel Gigliotti scoring his team-leading third of the Copa Libertadores on matchday five.
Braganinto Team News
Ytalo, Hurtado and Cleiton have scored six goals between them in their last two matches against Nacional, with Ytalo scoring twice in the first half and Hurtado doing so in the second half of a match that Cleiton did not have to face a single shot on target to record a clean sheet.
Prediction and Odds
We predict that the firepower of Mass Bruta should carry them through to victory, as Nacional have made a lot more mistakes than their Brazilian adversaries.
- Away Win
- Both Teams to Score
- Goals Over 2.5
