Penarol v The Strongest

Penarol vs The Strongest Preview

This week sees the round of last 16 being played in the Copa Libertadores and features this upcoming clash between Uruguayan hosts, Penarol, and their Bolivian counterparts, The Strongest, when the two teams meet at the Estadio Campeón del Siglo in the 1st leg of this knockout tie, with Penarol keen to set the record straight after a loss in the Intermediate Round Final to Nacional, while The Strongest registered a 2-1 win away from home at Real Santa Cruz in the Bolivian Primera Division.

Penarol had finished runners-up in Group G behind the winners, Atletico Mineiro, in the group stage of this season's Copa Libertadores having picked up four wins and two losses across their six group games.

Home and away wins against bottom club Caracas along with home wins against Atletico Mineiro and Rosario Central made it four wins in Penarol's final five games following a 1-0 defeat to Rosario Central on matchday 1, while the bigger picture shows Penarol have been a tough unit to beat in all competitions.

Indeed, Diego Aguirre's side have been handed just three defeats in their previous 18 matches in all competitions while also picking up 12 wins in the process, and goals could also feature here as the hosts have produced some impressive results on home soil in recent months.

The Strongest finished top of their Group C by virtue of a better goal difference over Brazilian runners-up, Gremio, and the visitors will head into this upcoming 1st leg tie of this round of last 16 fixture in the Copa Libertadores in confident mood having won their last two games on the trot.

Recent wins against Independiente 5-0 at home was followed by a 2-1 win on the road at Santa Cruz, both wins being achieved in the Bolivian top flight, while the bigger picture shows The Strongest have suffered just two defeats in their last 13 matches in all competitions.

The Strongest have received a warning shot across the bows though on their travels recently as they were dealt heavy defeats on the road at Gremio 4-0 in the Copa Libertadores along with a 5-2 loss away from home at Gualberto Villaroel in the Bolivian Primera Division, so it may not be all plain sailing for Ismael Rescalvo's side at the Estadio Campeón del Siglo.

Indeed, The Strongest have managed to capture just five wins in their last 16 outings on the road in all competitions along with being handed six defeats as well.

Penarol v The Strongest Verdict

Penarol have won the last two meetings on the trot against The Strongest at their Estadio Campeón del Siglo and the hosts look well placed to make that three wins here in this 1st leg clash where there could also be a few goals as well.

Therefore, our main bet will be Over 2.5 goals @ 1.72

Other side bets worth considering:

Penarol win & Over 2.5 goals @ 2.00

Correct Score: Penarol 2-1 @ 9.00