Guarani and Nacional Potosi Face Key Sudamericana Test in Asuncion

Guarani will host Bolivia’s Nacional Potosi this Thursday in a crucial Group A clash of the Copa Sudamericana, according to EFE. The match, set to take place at Estadio Defensores del Chaco in Asuncion, could prove pivotal for both sides’ aspirations in the continental competition.

The Paraguayan side enters the fixture boosted by a 2-1 victory over Olimpia in domestic league play, with goalkeeper Gaspar Servio scoring both goals from the penalty spot. With 22 points in 12 games, Guarani sits second in the Paraguayan Apertura but trails leaders Libertad by eight. However, in their Sudamericana opener, Guarani only managed a 3-3 draw against Uruguay’s Boston River and now seeks their first group-stage win.

Coach Francisco Arce is expected to field a similar lineup to Sunday’s, featuring Servio, William Mendieta and Fernando Fernández.

Nacional Potosi, meanwhile, travels to Paraguay fresh off a 2-0 home win over Independiente of Argentina in their group opener, with goals from Víctor Ábrego and Diego Diellos. That result placed them atop the group, tied on points with Independiente.

Domestically, however, Nacional has struggled. They lost 2-0 to The Strongest last weekend and sit near the bottom of Bolivia’s top division without a point. Still, under coach César Vigevani, the team has shown a stronger face in continental competition, qualifying by defeating Universitario de Vinto earlier in March.