The first leg of the Copa Libertadores kickoffs this week as Paraguayan side Olimpia welcomes Brazilian outfit Internacional. The match schedules for Friday at Manuel Ferreira, with kickoff at 3:30 am.
The two sides already faced each other in the group stages, with the opponents taking a win with an aggregate score of 7-1.
Olimpia has good memories in the competition have made the 2013 final appearance. However, there is much hanging in the balance in the first leg tie. In addition, it’s been six weeks since the side took part in a competitive clash.
The three-time Copa Libertadores winners come off a good campaign in the Argentina Apertura division, finishing off second. Having lost twice against their Friday opponents, there is much Sergio Orteman needs to be wary of.
However, Olimpia managed to finish second in the group stages, winning and losing three games each. Moreover, poor defensive setup saw the side concede 14 goals from their six matches in the group stages. What makes the Friday match entertaining is that they conceded seven goals against Internacional.
Moreover, it has not been a smooth ride for Internacional after losing 3-2 on aggregate against Victoria in the third round of the Copa do Brasil. In addition, the side continued struggling in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A with only two wins in their opening 11 league matches.
Olimpia vs Internacional Head to Head
Both sides have two games against each other, with Internacional taking two wins while Olimpia without one. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- River Plate 1-2 Olimpia
- Olimpia 6-2 Deportivo Tachira
- Olimpia 4-1 Sportivo Luqueno
- Olimpia 0-1 Internacional
- Nacional 2-1 Olimpia
Away
- Gremio 0-0 Internacional
- Internacional 0-2 Sao Paulo
- Corinthinas 1-1 Internacional
- Internacional 1-2 Palmeiras
- America Mineiro 1-1 Internacional
Olimpia Team News
Right-back Sergio Otalvaro received a red card in their last group stage encounter with Deportivo Tachira and will miss the first leg tie. However, Alan Benitez is in line to replace him in the starting lineup. Moreover, striker Jorge Recalde starts upfront alongside Walter Gonzalez.
Internacional Team News
There is an injury contention at the camp with Paolo Guerreiro with a knee injury, Abel Hernandez with a heel, and Mauricio with a sprained ankle. Other ruled out for the first leg include Ze Gabriel and Rodrigo Moledo.
Prediction and Odds
Internacional is favorites to record their third win against the hosts, and we envisage a clean swoop.
- Internacional Win
- Goals Under 2.5
- No Score: Home
