Match Overview
The upcoming clash between Always Ready and Lanús is crucial for both teams in Group G of the Copa Libertadores. Scheduled to take place at the El Alto Municipal Stadium, the venue is situated over 4,000 meters above sea level, presenting a unique challenge for the visiting Argentine side. Peruvian referee Roberto Pérez will officiate the match, which will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 2 and Disney + Premium.
The Stakes for Lanús
Under the guidance of coach Mauricio Pellegrino, Lanús is aiming to secure a vital win that will bolster their chances of advancing to the knockout phase. Currently sitting with six points, they are level with both Mirasol and Quito League but have the upper hand on the Olympic tiebreaker.
In their last encounter, Lanús faced off against Deportivo Riestra, which ended in a frustrating goalless draw. This outcome marked the conclusion of their regular phase in the Argentine Apertura Tournament, where they finished sixth in Zone A with 24 points. They have now qualified for the round of 16 and will meet Argentinos Juniors as visitors.
Strategic Decisions
Pellegrino emphasized the importance of not just focusing on this crucial match but also taking into account the well-being of players dealing with injuries. In light of this, he made the strategic decision to field an alternative lineup against Riestra to protect key players for the upcoming cup duel.
Always Ready’s Challenge
For Always Ready, this match serves as a potential turning point. Currently languishing at the bottom of the group table, they have yet to score a goal in their Copa Libertadores campaign. This dire statistic follows their previous performances, where they struggled to find the back of the net.
Despite the challenges, the Bolivian club recently celebrated a 3-1 victory against Nacional Potosí in their domestic competition, which could boost their morale going into this pivotal match.
Coaching Changes
In a bid to improve their performance in the Libertadores, Always Ready made the decision to part ways with coach Julio César Baldivieso due to unsatisfactory results. The new interim coach, Marcelo Straccia, was appointed just hours before the matchup against Lanús, adding a layer of uncertainty as the team looks to regroup.
Upcoming Fixtures
Looking ahead in the international tournament, Lanús will travel to face Quito League on May 20, while Always Ready will welcome Mirasol on May 19.
Match Details
Stadium: Municipal El Alto
Referee: Roberto Pérez (PER)
VAR: Michael Espinoza (PER)
Broadcast: Fox Sports 2