Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Copa Libertadores match.
Peñarol and Vélez Sarsfield have already secured their places in the knockout stage of the competition. This head-to-head fixture will determine which side earns a seeded spot in the first round of the play-offs. At present, Vélez Sarsfield hold the advantage.
Peñarol
Peñarol are currently the strongest among the second-placed teams, with 10 points and 3 wins. Not even group leaders such as Atlético Nacional have matched that total. In the domestic Uruguayan league, the Torneo Intermedio — the mid-season competition — has just started. In the opening round, Peñarol secured a 2:0 home win against Plaza Colonia. In the Copa Libertadores, the squad recently claimed a 3:2 home victory over Club Olimpia. They are now on a six-match winning streak at home across all competitions.
Vélez Sarsfield
Vélez Sarsfield lead the group only on goal difference, having scored two more than their upcoming opponents. Their comeback win in the opening round against Peñarol (2:1), sealed in the 95th minute, proved decisive in that regard. On the domestic front, Vélez Sarsfield disappointed in the first phase of the Argentine league, finishing 13th in their group. Guillermo Barros Schelotto took over in March in an attempt to revive the season, but the impact has been minimal. They now face a lighter schedule, which could be advantageous over time given the already heavy calendar.
Peñarol vs Vélez Sarsfield Prediction
Vélez Sarsfield will enjoy an extra three days of rest compared to Peñarol, but that is unlikely to be a factor, as they have struggled against all but the weakest opposition. The prediction here is a win for Peñarol.
