Olimpia vs Audax Italiano prediction and probable line-ups — 28 May 2026
Group G is heading for a fiery finale, and the clash between Olimpia and Audax Italiano stands out as one of the key fixtures of the last round.
- See also: Coritiba vs Bahia probable line-ups, H2H and prediction — 26 May 2026
On paper, the favorite seems clear — the Paraguayans are at home, have experience in high-stakes matches, and enjoy the intimidating atmosphere at Defensores del Chaco. But this Audax side has already proven it can trouble even more illustrious opponents.
As of 25 May, the group remains tightly packed. Olimpia lead the way and currently look like the most stable team in the quartet. The Paraguayans have already beaten the Chileans away — 2-0 in the opening round — and generally feel very much at home in Copa Sudamericana matches.
What's most interesting is that Olimpia don't look like a dazzling attacking side right now, but rather a pragmatic one. They concede very little, know how to endure pressure, and can calmly kill the tempo when leading. For tournaments like this, it's almost the perfect style.
For Audax Italiano, things are far more chaotic. The team can pull off a great performance, like their away win over Vasco (2-1), only to follow it up a few days later with another wild, error-strewn game in the Chilean league. In fact, if you look at Audax's recent matches, they're almost always entertaining: the team scores plenty, but leaves a lot of space at the back.
And that's where the main intrigue of the match lies — which scenario will Olimpia impose? If the hosts can quickly seize control and slow things down, Audax will really struggle. The Chileans are much more comfortable in an open, high-tempo game with lots of space.
The Asunción factor can't be underestimated either. Olimpia traditionally play a very different brand of football at home — more aggressive, more confident, more emotional. For many South American teams, a trip to Paraguay is always a tough assignment: hostile stands, combative football, and constant provocations on the edge.
That said, it's not all perfect for the hosts. Sometimes Olimpia become overly cautious and surrender the initiative. If that happens here, Audax are more than capable of snatching at least a draw.
Still, overall, the Paraguayans seem the more mature team for crunch matches. They're better organized, more solid defensively, and already know how to play against this opponent.
Don't expect a 4–5 goal thriller here. It's more likely to be a classic South American cup tie: full of battles, tension, stoppages, and pressure in every zone of the pitch.
Prediction: Olimpia are closer to victory.
Probable line-ups:
- Olimpia: Lentinelly, Ramírez, Bentaberry, Vera, Olmedo, Ledesma, Benítez, Abreu, Alfonso, Lezcano, Ferreira.
- Audax: Coelho, Chiaverano, Mateos, Zenteno, Vadulli, Collao, Rojas, Ferrario, Ortiz, Piña, Ahumada.
