Estudiantes vs Medellin – News and Probable Lineups

In the concluding matches of the Copa Libertadores group phase, Estudiantes will face Independiente Medellin on Wednesday, with a round-of-16 position at stake.

The away side currently occupies second place, just one point ahead of their hosts, who are vying for a spot in the Copa Sudamericana.

Match overview

Estudiantes will enter the match on Wednesday with the intention of overtaking their opponents to secure second place in group A of the Copa Libertadores and ensure progression to the knockout stage.

They secured their place in South America’s premier tournament as champions of the Argentine Liga Profesional Clausura phase, starting their campaign in April with a 1-1 draw against Independiente Medellin, after taking an early lead.

Subsequently, they achieved a 2-1 victory over Cusco, followed by two draws, including a commendable 1-1 home draw against group leaders Flamengo, before traveling to Brazil for the return match last week after suffering a domestic defeat against Racing Club, which ended their Liga Profesional Apertura run.

Unfortunately, Alexander Medina’s squad was unable to garner any points from that encounter, suffering their first loss in the group stage as Pedro netted the only goal in the 65th minute.

Currently, sitting just one point behind second place and assured of at least a third-place finish, which would secure their entry into the Copa Sudamericana, Estudiantes will now aim to break into the top two and clinch their spot in the final 16 with a home victory.

On the other hand, their opponents must secure at least a draw or win during their journey to Argentina to maintain their second-place standing and progress to the knockout rounds of the Copa Libertadores.

Independiente Medellin secured their Copa Libertadores spot through a second-place finish in the Colombian top division and made it to the continental group stage for the first time since 2023, having defeated Liverpool and Juventud.

Their group campaign started with the draw against Estudiantes, followed by a loss to Flamengo, a victory over Cusco, and a reverse fixture against Flamengo at home that was abandoned due to fan protests, resulting in three points being awarded to the visitors.

Building momentum from a Copa Colômbia success against Fortaleza and a draw with Orsomarso, they recently traveled to Cusco, clinching a vital 3-2 victory after leading through Francisco Fydriszewski. Although they went into injury time level, Baldomero Perlaza restored their lead, and after conceding an equalizer in the 94th minute, Alexis Serna scored the decisive goal just four minutes later.

They will look to carry that positive momentum into Wednesday’s fixture, acutely aware that they must avoid losing under the guidance of their caretaker manager to remain in second and advance to the round of 16.

Team News

Estudiantes will be without Santiago Arzamedia due to injury, and Tiago Palacios and Tomas Palacios will serve suspensions after accumulating three yellow cards during the group stage.

In light of these absences, Edwuin Cetre may join their attacking lineup in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Guido Carrillo expected to spearhead the attack.

Additionally, Gaston Benedetti may occupy the left side of the defensive line, while Santiago Nunez is likely to partner with veteran Leandro Gonzalez Pirez at the center of defense.

Independiente Medellin will be missing the injured trio of Kevin Mantilla, Enzo Larrosa, and Leider Berrio on Wednesday.

Didier Moreno remains a doubt after being substituted last week, but he may be fit to start in midfield alongside Halam Loboa.

Yony Gonzalez and Daniel Catano are expected to persist on the flanks in a front three, supporting key player Francisco Fydriszewski, who has scored four goals in Copa Libertadores this season and four in his last seven appearances across competitions.

Estudiantes probable starting XI:

To the muscle; Meza, Nunez, Gonzalez Pirez, Benedetti; Castro, Piovi; Cetre, Amondarain, Aguirre; Carrillo

Independiente Medellin probable starting XI:

Chaux; Chaverra, Ortiz, Londono; Mena Perea, Loboa, Moreno, Fabra; Gonzalez, Fydriszewski, Catano

Wednesday’s encounter is set to be an intriguing contest, with a spot in the round of 16 on the line. In what promises to be an evenly matched game, it appears the visitors may manage to secure another draw, considering the hosts have only recorded one victory in the group stage this term.