Libertad Asuncion - Nacional de Football predictions and free betting tips [31/05/2024]

On Friday, 31 May, as part of Round 6 of the Libertadores Cup group stage, Libertad will host Nacional. A 2-0 defeat by River Plate two weeks ago extinguished the Paraguayan team's playoff hopes, while the visitors have secured second place and can still fight for the top spot.

Stadium

The match will take place in Asuncion at the Tigo La Huerta stadium.

Libertad

For the second consecutive year, Libertad's journey in the Libertadores Cup ends at the group stage: after five rounds, the hosts have accumulated only four points. Nonetheless, Ariel Galeano's side still has a chance to reach the Copa Sudamericana: they only need to avoid losing to Nacional. With a victory on Friday night, the 24-time Paraguay champions could match their best points tally in the elite continental competition from 2023. Three out of their four points in the current group stage were earned at home, and they have won their last two home matches at Estadio Tigo La Huerta with an aggregate score of 9-1.

After the fifth-round debacle against River Plate, the black-and-whites won three consecutive home fixtures without conceding a goal. Additionally, the Paraguayan team has lost only once in their last six matches across all competitions. In the domestic league, Libertad is also performing well: the team is second in the overall standings and last weekend defeated Amelino with a score of 0-1 thanks to a Diego Viera goal in the 43rd minute.

Nacional

Just like last year, solid home performances allowed Nacional to reach the Libertadores Cup playoffs without any trouble, securing seven points in Montevideo. Alvaro Recoba's team has a chance to top their group for the first time since 2020 after six rounds, but for that, they need River Plate to lose against Deportivo Tachira and for them to win by at least five goals. Following the 2-0 defeat by the Argentine giants, the white-and-blues have won four consecutive away matches in all competitions and kept clean sheets in their last two encounters.

Moreover, Nacional has won their last 10 games when leading or drawing at half-time. Fans will be pleased to know their favourites have not conceded in their last three matches. In the domestic league, the Uruguayan football giant is underperforming: the team is second in the overall standings, seven points behind leaders Penarol. Last weekend, the visitors narrowly defeated Danubio 0-1 thanks to an 84th-minute goal by Ruben Bentancur. Nacional's ranks are missing Thiago Helguera due to a muscle strain, and Renzo Sanchez is unavailable because of a cruciate ligament tear.

Head-to-Head Meetings

Nacional has won three out of five Libertadores matches against Libertad, although their only victory in Paraguay dates back to 1968 (0-2).

Match Prediction Libertad vs Nacional

Nacional has already secured a place in the tournament's playoffs, while Libertad will have to work hard to lose third place in this group. Neither team is likely to push themselves to the limit ahead of their much-anticipated breaks and national team duties, so we can expect cautious football from both sides. I'll bet on a draw in regular time.

Total Goals Prediction

Amazingly, neither team has conceded a goal in their last three matches across all competitions. Considering the lack of tournament motivation for both sides, it's reasonable to bet on a total goals under 2.5.

Corner Kicks Prediction

Libertad will play with home support and are unlikely to concede initiative to the opponent, making it worthwhile to bet on the hosts winning in corner kicks.

Yellow Cards Prediction

In the first-round match, these teams collectively earned only three yellow cards, so confidently bet on a total yellow cards under 3.5.

Score Prediction

I'll bet on a 0-0 draw.