Home advantage key for Atletico against Estudiantes

Copa Libertadores
1am Wednesday

Three defeats from three outings have left Copa Libertadores holders Atletico Nacional in need of a miracle to qualify, though they can at least get their first points on the board with a revenge win over Estudiantes at the Atanasio Girardot Stadium.

The Colombian powerhouses are bottom of Group One and seemingly doomed while rumours abound that coach Reinaldo Rueda will be off to take the reins at the United Arab Emirates as soon as the Verdolaga’s defence of the title is over.

That might not be for a few weeks, however, because Atletico look the bet against the Argentinian giants.

Home advantage is massive in the Copa and the trip the length of South America is a daunting one for Nelson Vivas’s men.

A 21-man squad flew out of La Plata on Sunday morning, taking to the air after a run of just one win in five games.

That, of course, was the 1-0 triumph over Atletico two weeks ago, a desperately tame encounter between two sides who were pointless at the time. Nerves got the better of both before the ageless former Manchester United midfielder Juan Veron set up Javier Toledo for the only goal.

Atletico bossed possession in the second half but failed to test home keeper Mariano Andujar enough and consequently paid a heavy price.

The two-time winners welcome back key winger Mateus Uribe from a two-match ban and, ten points clear in Primera A, their form has generally been very good.

Recommendation
Atletico Nacional
2pts 10-11 Betway