Nacional vs. San Lorenzo, 2014 Copa Libertadores final: Preview and TV schedule

Club Nacional of Asunción, Paraguay had never made it out of the group stages in their previous Copa Libertadores campaigns, though this time around they’ve defied the odds to reach the final. On Wednesday they play host to another final debutant in Argentina’s San Lorenzo, in the first leg of the grand occasion.

There’s no doubt that San Lorenzo head in as favourites for the win, but with Nacional having been so impressive at the back throughout the tournament so far, it’s anyone’s guess. What’s more, San Lorenzo head into the game without their young wonderkid Ángel Correa, who has undergone heart surgery on an issue detected in a medical with Atlético Madrid, who he was set to join on the end of San Lorenzo’s Libertadores campaign.

Key player - Ignacio Piatti (San Lorenzo)
In the absence of Correa, one of San Lorenzo’s most important players is Ignacio Piatti, who is hoping to bow out of the club on a high. The tricky winger, who is also capable of playing in a central playmaking role, has agreed to join the MLS side Montreal Impact on the conclusion of the Libertadores campaign, after a couple of excellent years at the club. His flair and skill out wide is crucial to San Lorenzo’s style of wing-play, an Nacional must be sure to keep him quiet.
Key matchup - Who will score first?
In this game more than most, the first goal could well prove crucial. Nacional are expecting to have top striker Fredy Bareiro back after injury troubles during their semifinal win over Uruguay’s Defensor Sporting, though that alone probably isn’t going to turn them into a dominant attacking force. They’ve progressed this far with a string of gritty defensive performances, and have only conceded three goals in the competition since April. They’re likely going to try to keep things tight and snatch a result on the break.

If they concede first, they’ll have to chase the game and leave themselves exposed -- and perhaps offer up space for the likes of San Lorenzo’s Piatti and Héctor Villalba and playmaker Leandro Romagnoli.

Club Nacional injuries and suspensions
Out: Marcos Riveros. In doubt: None.
San Lorenzo injuries and suspensions
Out: Leandro Navarro, Ángel Correa. In doubt: Mauro Cetto.

Nacional will be without Paraguayan international midfielder Marcos Riveros, who is suspended for this match, though otherwise they should be able to field something resembling a full-strength team.

Aside from Ángel Correa, San Lorenzo have young midfielder Leandro Navarro sidelined with a serious knee injury, while there are concerns over the fitness of defender Mauro Cetto. He picked up a knock against Bolívar in the semifinals, meaning Fabricio Fontanini could take his place alongside Santiago Gentiletti in the heart of the defence.
Match Date/Time: Wednesday, 8:15 p.m. local / ET
Venue: Estadio Arsenio Erico, Asunción, Paraguay.
TV: Fox Deportes (U.S. - Spanish), Fox Sports Cono Sur (Paraguay and Argentina)
Online: Fox Sports Go (U.S.)
Listings via LiveSoccerTV.