Tomorrow will be a momentous day for Estudiantes: from 19:15 (Argentinian time) they will visit Real Garcilaso in Cuzco with the aim of achieving a victory that allows them to continue with the chance of qualifying for the Copa Libertadores round of 16. In addition, Lucas Bernardi is risking his position since, after the defeat in Santos, he was at the center of criticism.
The match will be played at Inca Garcilaso de la Vega Stadium, located 3,367 meters above sea level. The referee will be Chilean Julio Bascuñán and Fox Sports 2 will be the television channel responsible for broadcasting it.
On Labor Day, El Pincha knows that they are playing their main objective of the semester, which is to be among the top 16 clubs in the maximum continental tournament. If they win, they ensure to depend on themselves since, regardless of the outcome of Nacional and Santos (who will play tomorrow in Montevideo), with a victory against Bolso on May 24th in La Plata, they will qualify. If they draw, they will not be eliminated, but will have to cross their fingers for the Uruguayans not to win in order to not reach the last matchday so compromised. If they lose, on the other hand, they will be out if the Uruguayans earn three points.
As for the starting eleven that the Rosarino coach will field, it will be confirmed this morning when the squad trains at the Peruvian Football Federation's training ground (see separate note). However, based on the training sessions held at the Country Club, it is most likely that he will use the 4-4-2 tactical scheme to make the team show compactness at high altitude. The biggest doubt, in terms of names, is whether or not Mariano Pavone will be included in the attack. If he plays, Melano will be substituted.
SANTOS AIMING FOR QUALIFICATION AT GRAN PARQUE CENTRAL
Santos, leader of Group F with 9 points, will visit Nacional tomorrow at 21:30, who is second with 5 points, seeking at least a draw that guarantees qualification for the round of 16 with one matchday to spare. El Pincha, obviously, will support Peixe.
Datos
If they loseThey will be eliminated if Nacional defeats Santos. If Bolso does not win, Estudiantes will have to win in the final matchday and hope that Real Garcilaso does not earn points in their visit to Santos.
If they draw
They will not be eliminated, but if Nacional defeats Santos, they will have a three-point advantage with only one match remaining. In that case, Estudiantes will have to defeat Bolso with a good goal difference.
If they win
They will depend on themselves to qualify for the round of 16, regardless of how Nacional and Santos perform tomorrow in Montevideo, as in the last matchday they will host Bolso in La Plata.