BarcelonaBarcelona SCvs.EstudiantesEstudiantes

The Ecuadorians have dropped down to South America's secondary competition after finishing third in their Copa Libertadores group, while the Argentinians finished second in Group C.

Match preview

Indeed, having finished as runners-up in the Copa Libertadores in 1990 and 1998, the 16-time Ecuadorian champions would have been hoping to make another deep run in South America's primary continental tournament.

However, Idolo del Ecuador crashed out after collecting only four points from six games, with Segundo Castillo's side fortunate to receive a second bite at the cherry by finishing ahead of Cerro Porteno on goal difference to fall into the Copa Sudamericana.

The interim manager will be hoping to lay down a marker for the permanent vacancy at the club, whose domestic title hopes appear to be hanging on by a thread after losing three of their last five league games to fall eight points behind league leaders Independiente del Valle.

There is plenty of the campaign remaining, of course, with the prospect of winning this particular tournament for the first time in the club's history surely set to spur Castillo's side on.

Likewise, four-time Copa Libertadores champions Estudiantes have never lifted the Copa Sudamericana either, but they have certainly given their all during this year's competition so far.

Los Pincharratas went unbeaten during the group stages, with two draws against Group C winners Bragantino ultimately meaning the Brazilians topped the group on goal difference after both sides won all four of their matches against Tacuary and Oriente Petrolero.

Domestically, Eduardo Dominguez's side had enjoyed a strong start to the campaign, but five games without a win has seen them drop to sixth position, which is exactly where they finished two seasons ago.

With chasing down league leaders River Plate almost impossible given their healthy lead at the top of the table, Dominguez will be determined for his players to continue their assault on a maiden triumph in this competition.

Barcelona SC Copa Sudamericana form:

Barcelona SC form (all competitions):

L

W

L

L

L

D

Estudiantes Copa Sudamericana form:

W

W

D

W

D

W

Estudiantes form (all competitions):

L

D

W

D

D

D

Team News

Barcelona will remain without Luis Arce due to an ongoing knee injury, which has kept the midfielder on the sidelined since May.

Cristian Ortiz and Agustin Rodriguez will almost certainly be restored to the hosts' starting XI after only being used from the bench against Cerro Porteno in their side's last match.

Estudiantes, meanwhile, will travel without Pablo Piatti due to a serious knee issue, which has kept the former Valencia out of action since April.

Rodriguez may be tempted to make a few changes from his side's 0-0 draw against Rosario Central last time out, with Leonardo Godoy and Benjamin Rollheiser potentially being lined up for recalls.

Barcelona SC possible starting lineup:

Burrai; Pineida, C Rodriguez, Sosa, Portocarrero; Gaibor, Leonai; Preciado, Diaz, Ortiz; Fydriszsewski

Estudiantes possible starting lineup:

Andujar; Romero, Lollo, Nunez; Mancuso, Ascacibar, J Rodriguez, Zuqui, Mas; Carrillo, Mendez

We say: Barcelona SC 1-1 Estudiantes

Estudiantes are unbeaten in this year's competition, and returning to Argentina with that record in tact will be their primary aim when they arrive into Ecuador in midweek.

The hosts endured a miserable campaign in the Copa Libertadores, but they will recognise that this represents a drop in class, even if it is not one we expect them to win.

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