Libertad vs The Strongest
Competition: Copa Libertadores
Date: 13 February 2019
Kick-off: 22:15 CET
Last season, Libertad beat The Strongest twice, both in Asunción and in La Paz in the Copa Libertadores group stage. A week ago, they didn’t win in Bolivia, but that goal Adrián Martínez scored in the 81st minute salvaged a draw for them, a draw of pure gold. The way things stand, Libertad can afford to look cautious defensively, and let The Strongest take the risks necessary to score the goal they need. A goalless draw qualifies Libertad for the next round. Last weekend, they destroyed General Díaz at home, 4-0, making things look very easy in the first half, when they took a 3-0 lead. The Asunción side invested decent money in strengthening their squad the last month and a half, and being in the Copa Libertadores third qualifying round is… the absolute minimum their fans expect from them.
The Strongest are with their back against the wall. That goal they conceded in the 81st minute last week has put them in a very tough position, as they are now obliged to score in Asunción. Their record away from home doesn’t allow too much optimism. It’s their home games they usually… shine in, which they failed to do last week. Over the weekend, they destroyed Sport Boys 5-0 at home, despite the fact that they played with several reserves. Their coach chose to rest/protect most of his regulars, but that didn’t really affect the team, that took a 3-0 lead less than 30 minutes into the game, and went on to score twice more in the second half.
Previous five matches:
Libertad vs General Díaz 4-0
The Strongest vs Libertad 1-1
Guaraní vs Libertad 3-1
Libertad vs Cerro Porteño 1-0
Sol de América vs Libertad 2-0
The Strongest vs Sport Boys 5-0
The Strongest vs Libertad 1-1
Oriente Petrolero vs The Strongest 2-1
The Strongest vs Real Potosí 4-1
Royal Pari vs The Strongest 5-0
Libertad’s next game is at River Plate, on Saturday (Paraguay Apertura). A day later, The Strongest will be visiting Jorge Wilstermann (Bolivia championship).
Libertad vs The Strongest: Head to head Stats
Libertad hosted The Strongest last year, first time ever, in the Libertadores group stage, and beat them 3-0.
Libertad vs The Strongest: Prediction
Libertad are considered huge favorites to win the game. I agree, but I prefer to bet on goals first.
Libertad vs The Strongest: Betting Tips
“Over 2.5 goals” is at 1.83, which I like, because The Strongest need to take risks, sooner or later, and Libertad have awesome players who can score against practically any team, especially at home. Combined with “over 2.5”, the hosts’ win is at 2.17.
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