First-leg loss has taken wind out of Huracan's sails

Copa Sudamericana second-round second leg
11.15pm Tuesday

Paraguayan outfit Libertad did the hard work in their battle for a place in the last 16 of the Copa Sudamericana when they crushed Huracan 5-1 three weeks ago.

It would take a huge swing for the Argentinians to even give themselves a chance of progressing and it is difficult to anticipate a miracle.

Although Huracan had Alejandro Romero Gamarra sent off with 17 minute remaining of the opening encounter, they were already four goals down by that point as they were torn apart by Litertad's talented attack.

Former Benfica striker Oscar Cardozo scored the opening two goals and there was also a brace for Santiago Salcedo, who took his impressive recent tally to eight goals in as many games.

With just one defeat in their last 14 matches and only two home defeats in the last year, they should be extremely confident and Huracan's record on four wins in their last 21 away league games should reassure anyone who has any doubts about Libertad progressing.

They could completely switch off, which would be a blow to anyone taking the 13-20 that they will win in 90 minutes, but a better course of action could be to back Libertad to win after leading at half-time.

Fernando Jubero's side have scored before the interval in five of their last six matches and their opponents' heads could drop if they notch again in the opening exchanges.

Recommendation
Libertad-Libertad double result
2pts 8-5 Hills