Argentine side San Lorenzo dominated the first leg of the Copa Libertadores final against Nacional in Asunción, Paraguay, though they conceded at the death to draw 1-1. Had this been any other stage of the knockout stages, the away goal would’ve made for a pretty good result heading into the second leg. Alas, this isn’t any other stage, and so the away goal doesn’t count for any more than Nacional’s home one. Things are still all square ahead of Wednesday’s deciding fixture in Buenos Aires.
San Lorenzo vs. Nacional, 2014 Copa Libertadores final: Preview and TV schedule
The Copa Libertadores final is deadlocked heading into Wednesday’s second leg.
Joe Raedle
Key player - Héctor Villalba (San Lorenzo)
In the first leg Ignacio Piatti was probably San Lorenzo’s best player, though the Argentine hosts won’t have him for the deciding match, with FIFA having rejected their appeal to delay his move to the Montreal Impact. That means more of the creative burden will fall on the shoulders of talented youngster Héctor Villalba, who should cause problems down the right side for with pace and workrate. He’s been linked with Italian side AS Roma of late, and now has the opportunity to star on the biggest stage South America has to offer.
Key matchup - San Lorenzo’s right flank vs. Nacional’s left
Villalba is only one half of San Lorenzo’s dangerous right side, with the attack-minded full-back Julio Buffarini also looking set to start in the final. He’s also capable of playing as a winger, which should tell you all you need to know about his desire to push forward and deliver crosses into the box. If he links effectively with Villalba, San Lorenzo’s strikers should have plenty to feed on in the penalty area.
San Lorenzo injuries and suspensions
Out: Leandro Navarro, Ángel Correa, In doubt: Néstor Ortigoza.
Nacional injuries and suspensions
Out: Ramón Coronel. In doubt: Brian Montenegro.
San Lorenzo will be without two promising youngsters, with Leandro Navarro still out with a serious knee injury and Atlético Madrid-bound Ángel Correa a heart problem. However, they should have defender Mauro Cetto available again after a leg injury, and midfielder Néstor Ortigoza will probably make the start after a minor muscular problem.
Nacional, meanwhile, should have Paraguayan international Marcos Riveros back from suspension after he missed the first leg. He’s reportedly set to join Paraguayan giants Club Olimpia after this match, and so will be looking to go out on a high. They’re waiting on the fitness of talented ex-West Ham United winger Brian Montenegro, who is doubtful with an ankle injury he sustained in their Libertadores semifinal win over Defensor Sporting, though defender Ramón Coronel is definitely out injured.
Match Date/Time: Wednesday, 9:15 p.m. local, 8:15 p.m. ET
Venue: El Nuevo Gasómetro, Buenos Aires, Argentina
TV: Fox Deportes (U.S. - Spanish), BT Sport 1 (U.K.), Fox Sports Cono Sur (Argentina and Paraguay)
Online: Fox Sports Go (U.S.), BT Sport 1 (U.K.)
See More:
