Huracan may struggle to blow away Libertad

Copa Sudamericana second round first leg
11.15pm Tuesday

The Argentinian Primera Division ended dismally for Huracan, who finished 25th of 30 teams, and their hopes of lifting morale in the Copa Sudamericana could be ended by Libertad in the second round.

Huracan won only six league games all season and last week sacked manager Juan Manuel Azconzabal with interim Nestor Apuzzo facing a difficult first-leg task because of absentees.

Among those sidelined are first-choice goalkeeper Marcos Diaz and experienced centre-back Federico Mancinelli, while Huracan are fortunate to still be in this competition having trailed 3-0 at one stage against Venezuelan side Anzoategui before winning 4-3.

Libertad, eliminated in the Copa Libertadores to drop down to South America's secondary competition, should provide a much sterner test.

They topped the opening championship in Paraguay with excellent numbers. Libertad had a goal difference of plus 26, conceded only 14 goals in 22 fixtures and will go into battle having recorded five straight wins to nil.

Libertad have since strengthened their squad with the arrivals of international veterans Oscar Cardozo and Paulo Da Silva, who have both travelled to Argentina but may only be among the substitutes.

Former Sunderland defender Da Silva has played 145 times for Paraguay and Cardozo was a regular goalscorer in his pomp for Benfica.

Cardozo will appreciate this drop down in class at the age of 34 but will do well to oust the combination of Santiago Salcedo and Jesus Medina, who scored 22 goals between them in the opening championship.

Recommendation
Libertad draw no bet
1pt 11-8 bet365