Athletico Paranaense vs Cerro Porteno

Ligga Arena forms the backdrop for the return leg of an evenly-poised Copa Sudamericana playoff tie between Athletico Paranaense and Cerro Portneo.

Despite canceling Cerro Porteno’s first-half lead in a 1-1 first-leg draw in Paraguay, Athletico Paranaenese could’ve returned to Brazil with a vital win, only for Fernandinho to spurn a late penalty. The Hurricane’s form can’t inspire much confidence, with Martin Varini’s side picking up just one win in their last four competitive matches (D1, L2). Though the odds back them for success, the Brazilians must be wary of their evenly-balanced H2H record against Cerro Porteno in continental action (W1, D1, L1), while further doubt stems from their torrid home form. Before a thumping 3-0 win against lower-league Yparinga in Copa do Brasil, Paranaense had gone winless in four consecutive home matches (D2, L2), bagging precisely one goal on each occasion.

Meanwhile, a lack of competitive form could be an issue for visiting Cerro Porteno, considering the first-leg showdown remains their only official match since the beginning of June. A bigger problem is the Paraguayans’ woeful form on their continental travels, which saw them lose two of their three away games in this season’s Copa Libertadores group phase (D1). However, since their last continental road trip, Manolo Jimenez’s charges have won three consecutive away games via multi-goal margins, scoring precisely three goals twice! Delivering action from the get-go, Cerro Porteno won the first half ‘to nil’ on all three occasions, underscoring the potential for a quick-fire start.