The group stage of the Copa Libertadores is coming to a close and nearly every team is still in contention to qualify for the knockout stages. That includes both Libertad and San Luis, who will square off on Tuesday evening in Asuncion, Paraguay in the final group match. Libertad is already through to the knockout stages, but San Luis is just one point behind Universidad San Martin so they can get through to the knockout stages at well.
Copa Libertadores, Libertad Vs. San Luis: It’s Going To Be Tough For San Luis
The issue for San Luis getting through will be their likely need to get three points, not just a draw on the road. To manage three points they will need a stout defense, something that is a challenge against the talented Libertad side. As Nicolas Rosano of SB Nation’s Mexican futbol blog FMF State of Mind points out, Libertad has a lot of dangerous attackers that San Luis will have to deal with.
Pavlovich provides a superb aerial presence that has been on display regularly through the Libertadores, while the younger Rodolfo Gamarra provides a pacy counterpart who can play across the forward line. Aquino, a veteran midfielder who has spent his entire career in Paraguay and was capped seven times for the national team, is not a name many fans outside of Paraguay will recognize, but provides a stable, creative presence in the field.
The only thing is question is how seriously Libertad takes the match. With not just advancement, but first place in the group already clinched, they have little to play for against San Luis. They can easily rest some of their top players and turn the match in San Luis’ favor. Of course, who Libertad plays and how the match goes will not matter at all if Once Caldas cannot get at least a point from Universidad San Martin. All in all, things are not looking rosy for San Luis.
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