Universitario vs Tolima – News and Probable Lineups

The Estadio Monumental is set to host a vital Group B match in the Copa Libertadores as Universitario faces off against Deportes Tolima on Wednesday morning, with significant implications for both teams.

A heavy defeat to Coquimbo Unido in their last group outing has caused the Colombian side to drop from the top of the table, but they only need a draw to advance. In contrast, the home team must secure a victory to keep their hopes alive, as they find themselves tied on points with bottom-placed Nacional.

Match overview

Universitario’s effort to end their four-match winless streak was thwarted as they managed only a goalless draw with Moquegua during their recent encounter in the Peruvian league at the Estadio 25 de Noviembre.

This league result further highlights Los Cremas’ ongoing struggles in front of goal, as they have not scored in four consecutive matches since Alex Valera netted in the 2-1 defeat against Coquimbo Unido on May 8.

Despite these recent challenges, Hector Cuper’s squad remains competitive in the Liga 1 standings, holding 26 points from 16 matches to be positioned fourth. However, their prospects in the continental competition are precarious at best.

After a goalless draw with Nacional in their previous Libertadores match on May 20, Universitario has only managed to win one of their five group matches, suffering two losses and recording two draws while scoring five goals and conceding six.

Heading into Wednesday’s final group stage fixture, the home side has accumulated five points from a possible 15, placing them third in Group B—two points behind Deportes Tolima, who occupy the second spot, yet level with Nacional at the bottom.

On the other hand, Deportes Tolima arrives in Peru still recovering from their Colombian Apertura playoff semi-final disappointment against Atletico Nacional, where they suffered a 3-1 defeat at the Atanasio Girardot Stadium.

Having suffered a 1-0 defeat in the previous leg on May 17, Lucas Gonzalez’s team found themselves down by three goals in a lackluster second half before Adrian Parra found the net in the 79th minute to provide a consolation.

Between the two setbacks against Atletico Nacional, Tolima endured a heavy 3-0 loss to Coquimbo Unido on May 19, which interrupted their momentum from two consecutive Libertadores wins and saw them slip to second in the standings.

If other results in the group work in their favor, a win on Wednesday may allow the Colombian side to overtake Coquimbo Unido and secure the top position in the group, yet their recent form, with just one victory and seven defeats in the last ten matches, presents a formidable challenge as they visit the Estadio Monumental.

Team News

Universitario will be without veteran midfielder Horacio Calcaterra, who is still recovering from an injury he sustained against Alianza on April 27, marking his seventh consecutive absence.

Aside from that, the Peruvian team appears to be fully fit with no suspension issues, and it is anticipated that Cuper will depend on the core group that has participated throughout their Libertadores journey.

Alex Varela has found the back of the net four times in his last seven appearances and is expected to lead the hosts’ attack, partnering with Edinson Flores and veteran forward Lisandro Alzugaray.

For Tolima, Luis Sandoval was forced to exit the game due to injury early in the second half against Atletico Nacional, creating doubts about his availability for Wednesday’s critical fixture.

If Sandoval cannot recover quickly, Parra is likely to step in, forming the attacking trio alongside Jersson Gonzalez and 22-year-old Kelvin Florez.

Universitario probable starting XI:

Vargas; Sanataria, Riveros, Fara; Polo, Guedes, Fertoli, Carabali; Alzugaray, Flores, Varela

Deportes Tolima probable starting XI:

Volpi; J Angulo, A Angulo, Pedrozo, Arrieta; Nieto, Trujillo, Torres; Parra, Florez, Gonzalez

Considering the importance of Wednesday’s encounter, both Universitario and Tolima are expected to push hard for a win at the Estadio Monumental as they aim to secure a crucial final-day result.

Cuper’s squad has recorded seven victories from their ten matches at the Estadio Monumental this season and can draw optimism from their strong home form. However, we predict that Tolima will thwart the home side’s efforts and manage to secure a point.