Cienciano vs Lanús – News and Probable Lineups

Lanus requires just a draw to secure their advancement to the round of 16 in the Copa Sudamericana as they head to the Estadio Inca Garcilaso de la Vega for a fixture against Cienciano on Wednesday.

The Argentine side possesses a solid 2-0 lead from the first leg and is on track to defend their Copa Sudamericana title, with Botafogo in wait for the victors in the next round.

Match overview

Cienciano ended the previous season in fifth place during the Liga Clausura and eighth overall, which earned them a spot in the Copa Sudamericana qualifying phase.

The Red Fury proceeded to place second in their group, allowing them to reach the knockout playoffs, yet they now find themselves on the verge of getting eliminated and need an extraordinary comeback to overturn the deficit from the first leg.

After finishing third in the Liga Apertura, Cienciano remains in contention for a top-four finish overall, which would qualify them for next season’s Copa Libertadores.

The Red Squadron is currently positioned fifth in Liga 1, holding 33 points after 19 matches, trailing leaders Alianza Lima by 11 points and being four points behind fourth-placed Los Chankas.

While that gap is manageable, recent performances raise concerns, as Cienciano enters Wednesday’s match having lost four consecutive contests across all competitions.

Lanus concluded the last season in eighth place within the Argentine top flight across the two phases but achieved automatic qualification for the Copa Libertadores group stage by defeating Atletico Mineiro in a penalty shootout.

The Garnet is currently placed 12th in the league, gathering 24 points from 16 fixtures, and has struggled for consistency this season.

Mauricio Pellegrino’s squad has managed to secure only one victory in their last five league matches; however, they come into this encounter having achieved consecutive wins across all competitions.

Goals from Franco Watson and Ramiro Carrera ensured a straightforward 2-0 victory in the first leg, which was followed by a 1-0 league victory against San Lorenzo over the weekend.

After lifting their second continental trophy last season, Lanus is aware that another Copa Sudamericana victory would establish them as the competition’s most successful side.

Team News

Lucas Besozzi received a red card during the 2-1 loss against Instituto, having also been dismissed in the first leg versus Cienciano.

Lanus will be missing midfielder Marcelino Moreno and striker Walter Bou, both dealing with foot and muscle injuries respectively.

For the home side, Neri Bandiera is a doubt due to a muscular issue, but Horacio Melgarejo should have nearly a full squad available.

Rotceh Aguilar was also sent off in a recent league match against CD Juan Pablo, but this suspension does not carry over to the Copa Sudamericana, and he is available for selection.

Cienciano probable starting XI:

Losada; Guidara, Izquierdos, Canale, Marcich; Medina, Cardozo; Salvio, Watson, Aguirre; Valois

Lanus probable starting XI:

Espinoza; Nunez, Amondarain, Beccerra; Martinich, Arias, Barreto, Souza; Hohberg, Robles, Garces

Cienciano has no alternative but to take control from the outset in order to overturn their two-goal disadvantage, but this strategy will likely create openings for Lanus to take advantage of on the counter-attack.

The home team is expected to show an improved performance in front of their fans, yet Lanus has the experience and calmness necessary to manage the tie effectively, leading us to anticipate the holders achieving a draw which secures their spot in the last 16.