Feb 24, 2011

Estudiantes la Plata - Deportes Tolima

Copa Libertadores

Estudiantes needs to make amends after last week recording their biggest continental loss of their history, the 0-5 trashing at the hands of Cruzeiro. Any other wrong step could seriously jeopardize their continuity in the cup, and a group-stage exit will be even more shameful than the loss in Brazil. Thankfully, the team reacted well after that disaster, and they managed to win their league match against Quilmes, despite resting a couple of players, including Veron. Now, it's 'guns blazing' for Estudiantes, and nothing but a win will help them. Everyone at the club looks motivated and focused, so I think we can expect a good match from them. Tolima was the surprise package of the play-off stage, knocking-out Corinthians, but honestly, you can't get any more pathetic than the Brazilians were. In the first group match, they won 1-0 against Guarani, and it's a fair result, although they had to suffer a lot before the final whistle: the goal came late, in the last 10 minutes... in the first half they missed some huge chances, while in the second half Guarani started playing, and actually managed to create some panic in Tolima's defense. Estudiantes probably won't make the same mistake, and I expect them to make their game, as Tolima's away tactics are defensive, using a single forward. Won't take a higher handicap because if the goal comes late, Estudiantes will be happy to defend it, but a win for the Argentinians should be a sure thing. GL!

Estudiantes (-1 AH) @ 1.69, 5/10
Result: 1-0, VOID

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