Olimpia vs Audax – News and Probable Lineups

Olimpia aims to clinch the top position in Group G as they host Audax Italiano at the Estadio Defensores del Chaco on Wednesday night in a pivotal Copa Sudamericana encounter.

The Paraguayan club enters the final group stage match in a solid position following a thrilling 3-1 comeback against Vasco da Gama in Asuncion during their last outing.

Match overview

Pablo “Vitamina” Sanchez’s team bounced back after an early challenge with Carlos Cuesta scoring first for Vasco, as Mateo Gamarra, Hugo Sandoval, and Carlos Ferreira turned the match around significantly.

This victory lifted Olimpia to 10 points from five matches, placing them in a strong position for qualification heading into the final group fixture.

The Dean has achieved three victories, one draw, and one loss in this competition, with their commendable home form at Defensores del Chaco playing a crucial role in their successful campaign.

Olimpia also enjoys a favorable recent record against Audax Italiano, having won the previous fixture 2-0 in Chile earlier in the group stage, with Ruben Lezcano and Juan Fernando Alfaro netting goals in the first half while dominating the game.

Currently, the hosts appear to have the momentum, having recorded three wins and one draw in their last five group-stage matches, with the only slip being a 3-0 defeat away to Vasco in Brazil.

Following this setback, they secured a 2-1 win against Barracas Central, followed by overcoming Vasco in the return match to reclaim the top spot in the group.

In contrast, Audax Italiano comes to Paraguay with slim chances of progress after achieving a 2-0 win against Barracas Central, reigniting their campaign.

Under the guidance of Gustavo Lema, they currently stand with seven points, having garnered two wins, one draw, and two losses in their five group matches.

The Chilean team has displayed moments of brilliance throughout the tournament, particularly in away fixtures, including an impressive win over Vasco earlier in the competition; however, their inconsistency has ultimately led to a challenging scenario heading into the final match day.

Audax has suffered two defeats against the group’s strongest competitors, losing twice to Vasco and once again 2-0 to Olimpia in Santiago. Though their away resilience means they could pose a challenge in Asuncion, they would need an almost flawless performance to beat an Olimpia side teeming with confidence.

With the group’s dynamics, the pressure lies heavily on the visitors, as Olimpia can afford a more relaxed approach knowing that a draw could suffice, while Audax realistically requires a full three points to sustain their advancement hopes.

Team News

Olimpia is expected to field a robust lineup despite their advantageous standing, with Gaston Olveira set to continue in goal, supported by a defensive line comprising Raul Caceres, Bryan Bentaberry, Gustavo Vargas, and Anibal Chala.

In midfield, Alex Franco, Richard Ortiz, and Juan Fernando Alfaro are likely to manage the gameplay, while Ruben Lezcano, Adrian Alcaraz, and Ivan Leguizamon should lead the attacking front.

Audax Italiano is anticipated to focus on swift counter-attacks and maintaining midfield intensity, with Tomas Ahumada likely to start in goal, supported by a defense of Oliver Rojas, Diego Monreal, and Daniel Pina.

Marco Collao and Nicolas Aedo are set to stabilize the midfield, while Rodrigo Cabral, Giovani Chiaverano, and Diego Coelho are expected to spearhead the attack for the Chilean side.

Olimpia probable starting XI:

Olveira; Caceres, Bentaberry, Vargas, Chala; Franco, Ortiz, Alfaro; Lezcano, Alcaraz, Leguizamon

Audax Italiano probable starting XI:

Smoked; Rojas, Monreal, Pina; Guajardo, Collao, Aedo, Rebolledo; Cabral, Chiaverano, Coelho

Olimpia appears to have the upper hand as this crucial fixture approaches, bolstered by their excellent form, home advantage, and a stronger head-to-head record against Audax Italiano.

The Paraguayan side has exhibited more consistency throughout the group stage and has looked particularly threatening in recent victories over Barracas Central and Vasco da Gama. Audax Italiano is capable of competing, particularly on counter-attacks, but they may find it challenging to handle the intensity and atmosphere in Asuncion.