Cerro Largo (Home)
- Cerro Largo have won once and lost four times in the last five games.
- Cerro Largo have lost both of their home games in the Apertura so far, but have taken 3 points away at Central Español (3-1).
- Danielo Núñez has shown a tactical flexibility with his squad so far, but the common denominator throughout has been to be compact and solid in defence, quick in transition and dangerous from set pieces.
- Axel Pandiani is their main threat going forward, having scored 2 of their 4 goals in their last 5 games, while also leading the team's scoring in the Apertura.
Deportivo Maldonado (Away)
- Deportivo Maldonado are second in the Liga AUF Uruguaya - Apertura 2026 table with 13 points from their first six games, while Cerro Largo are eleventh with 6 points from their opening six games.
- Deportivo Maldonado’s narrow 1-0 win at home to Defensor Sporting followed by their 0-0 away draw at Montevideo Wanderers has set up Maldonado nicely ahead of Friday’s away game at Cerro Largo.
- Their coach Gabriel Di Noia has instilled in his players an identity that has seen them achieve good results in recent weeks.
- Maldonado play a narrow, midfield-packed style of soccer where they look to out-wait opponents with their patient buildup play before unleashing their attack direct or in wide areas.
Head-to-Head
Although the home team has the advantage in the head-to-head record, Deportivo Maldonado ’s position in the table and form make them favorites for Friday’s game.
Key Players
- Maximiliano Noble leads their attack and is a big threat to score at any point in the game, having chipped in with 3 goals in 6 Apertura games.
- Axel Pandiani is their main threat going forward, having scored 2 of their 4 goals in their last 5 games, while also leading the team's scoring in the Apertura.
Betting Insights
I’ll take Deportivo Maldonado in the Draw No Bet market at 2.36 , while Both Teams to Score - Yes is priced at 1.83 .
Prediction
The difference in styles between these two teams should see an end-to-end match, with turnovers and set pieces likely to play a big part in deciding the result.
