Sudamericana Survival: Defensa and Cerro Largo Face Elimination Showdown

Defensa y Justicia will host Uruguay’s Cerro Largo this Wednesday at 9:30 PM in a make-or-break Copa Sudamericana Group B clash at Estadio Norberto Tomaghello. As reported by TyC Sports, both sides sit on four points and are still in contention for the playoff spot, provided Brazilian side Vitoria doesn’t win their match against Universidad Católica (ECU).

The home side arrives in crisis. Since the departure of head coach Pablo De Muner, Defensa has failed to regain form. Interim manager Tobías Kohan has yet to record a win, with the team’s last victory dating back to early March. Their most recent setback came in the Copa Argentina, where they were eliminated by Newell’s. Still, a win keeps their hopes alive — if Vitoria slip.

Cerro Largo also finds itself in a difficult spot. The Uruguayan side has lost four straight matches across competitions, including a 3-2 defeat to Defensor Sporting in the Intermedio’s opening round. Despite their poor form, coach Danielo Núñez and his squad travel to Argentina hoping to spring an upset. The match will be officiated by Venezuela’s Emikar Calderas, with Milagros Arruela on VAR, and will air live on D Sports and DGO.