Independiente Santa Fe
- Independiente Santa Fe are unbeaten in three matches, while Peñarol are in good form after three wins, one draw, and one loss from five in the Uruguayan league.
- Santa Fe have a more possession-based system with a double pivot to cover the defence and release the lone striker, which they do with quick transitions from defense to attack.
- Pablo Repetto’s pragmatic style has served Santa Fe well domestically and in continental competitions, with the experienced coach getting the most out of his players through a compact and disciplined approach.
- The home team come into this opener unbeaten in their last four at El Campín in Bogotá, where the altitude (2,640m) is a problem for visiting teams, particularly in the second half when fatigue sets in.
- But they ground out a 2-1 away win over Atlético Bucaramanga last time out to extend their unbeaten run to three.
Peñarol
- Peñarol have started their Uruguayan Liga AUF Apertura campaign with three wins, one draw and one defeat to sit second in the table, one point behind the leaders.
- Diego Aguirre’s team are a direct, vertical side that like to compress the play centrally and allow their mobile and powerful forwards to stretch play wide.
- Peñarol play a 4-4-2 or 4-2-2-2, depending on the match-up and have scored six goals in their last three Primera Division contests.
Head-to-Head
Friday’s Copa Libertadores Group E match between Colombian giants Independiente Santa Fe and Uruguayan giants Peñarol Montevideo is a first-time competitive encounter between two of South America’s legendary clubs.
Key Players
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Santa Fe:
- Nahuel Bustos brings pace and creativity to the frontline and will support Hugo Rodallega up front, while Abel Hernández adds experience and physicality to the attack and Matías Arezo will be a focal point in the box.
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Peñarol:
- But the Uruguayans are much better going forward, with Leo Fernández a very good orchestrator and provider of set pieces.
Betting Insights
The odds are stacked against the visitors, but they are fresh and in form, so we’re going to take the long odds of 3.3 for an away win, Over 2.5 goals at 2.45 and BTTS (Yes) at 2.0 .
Prediction
We’re predicting a Peñarol win in Colombia as a result, although it will be very close and both teams will likely score.
