Copa Libertadores: Always Ready vs Lanús. Can the Argentinians secure a playoff spot?
On Wednesday, May 6, the Estadio Municipal de El Alto in Bolivia will host the fourth round of the Copa Libertadores group stage, as Always Ready welcome Argentinian side Lanús.
Match preview
Always Ready, led by Julio César Baldivieso, currently sit at the bottom of Group G, occupying fourth place. The team has zero points after defeats to LDU Quito at home (0-1), Lanús away (0-1), and Mirasol in the third round (0-2). Despite leading the Bolivian championship, the "Millonarios" have struggled to adapt their aggressive style to the higher caliber of continental opponents. However, their 3-1 win over Nacional Potosí on May 2 showed Baldivieso's attack is firing, while the altitude of El Alto (4,150 meters) remains their main trump card—a factor they must exploit now.
Mauricio Pellegrino’s Lanús are second in the group with six points, maintaining excellent prospects for reaching the knockout rounds. The Argentinians arrive in Bolivia after a gritty 0-0 draw with Deportivo Riestra in their domestic league, where Pellegrino rested several key players. In this Libertadores campaign, Lanús have lost only their opening match, falling 0-1 to Mirasol. However, the possible absence of captain Carlos Izquierdoz, who is training individually, could weaken the heart of their defense—especially in conditions where every extra step at altitude takes its toll.
Tactically, Baldivieso will urge his players to shoot at every opportunity—the thin air makes the ball’s flight unpredictable for Losada. Lanús are expected to form two compact defensive lines, aiming to slow the pace and disrupt the rhythm with frequent minor fouls.
Always Ready’s home record in the Copa Libertadores is impressive: even giants from Brazil and Argentina have fallen here. For Lanús, this will be their toughest match of the season in terms of physiology. If the Bolivians manage to convert one of their many long-range attempts in the first half, it will be extremely difficult for the Argentinians to find the strength to come back in the rarefied air.
Probable lineups
Always Ready: Baroja – Hurtado, Rodriguez, Gómez, Suarez – Cuellar – Nava, Lima, Saucedo, Rambal – Triverio.
Lanús: Losada – Morgantini, Izquierdoz, Jesus, Marcich – Medina, Cardozo – Salvio, Moreno, Aquino – Castillo
Match facts and head-to-head
- In April, Lanús won at home – 1:0
- Always Ready have won five of their last ten matches, lost four, and drawn once. The team has conceded in eight of those games
- Lanús have won only four of their last ten games, losing three. In nine of their last ten matches, there has been one or no goals scored
Prediction
I expect a tight, low-scoring match with few clear chances. My prediction: total under 2.5 goals at 2.15
