Vasco v Olimpia in Paraguay, Sul-Americana, where to watch, likely XI | OneFootball

Vasco faces Olimpia this Wednesday (20) at 7 p.m. at Defensores del Chaco stadium in Asunción, in the fifth round of the Copa Sudamericana group stage. The match is worth sole possession of the top spot in Group G, where both teams are tied on 7 points, but the Rio club has the edge on goal difference. Finishing first guarantees a direct place in the round of 16, avoiding the playoffs against teams eliminated from the Libertadores.

For this international fixture, the coaching staff put together a bold strategy and traveled to Paraguay with a squad packed with academy youngsters. In total, 11 U-20 players were called up by coach Renato Gaúcho, with the aim of preserving the main squad from the physical toll of the season. From the starting team that played last weekend in the domestic competition, only goalkeeper Léo Jardim and center-back Carlos Cuesta traveled with the group.

+ Warning signs on! Vasco defense comes under fire after heavy defeat in the South

Vasco’s alternative lineup and absences in Asunción

The coach chose to rest ten outfield players, including Puma Rodríguez, Lucas Piton, Thiago Mendes and Adson, who did not even travel. Full-back Cuiabano and wing-back Paulo Henrique remain under the care of the physiotherapists, while forward Spinelli was granted leave to be present for the birth of his daughter. As a result, the likely Vasco lineup will be:

Léo Jardim; Tchê Tchê, Carlos Cuesta, Lucas Freitas and Riquelme Avellar; Hugo Moura, Ramon Rique and JP; Marino, Nuno Moreira and Brenner.

The bet on youth opens the door for names such as Lukas Zuccarello, Andrey Fernandes and defensive midfielder Ramon Rique, the youngster who has received the most opportunities with the senior team. The youngsters will face an in-form opponent that leads the Paraguayan league by 10 points over second place. A simple win would secure first place in advance, as Vasco could no longer be caught by Audax Italiano or Barracas Central.

Photo: Twitter/X Vasco

Broadcast and refereeing details for the clash

The match will be broadcast in Brazil exclusively on streaming platform Paramount+, which holds the tournament’s official rights. The game in Asunción will be officiated by experienced Colombian referee Wilmar Roldán, assisted by linesmen Alexander Guzmán and Cristian Aguirre. Video assistant referee (VAR) duties will be handled by David Rodríguez, also from the Colombian federation, completing the international officiating team.

Olimpia will take the field without key starters such as captain Richard Ortiz and players Leguizamón, Sánchez and Benítez. Coach Pablo Sánchez confirmed that the stadium will be packed to put pressure on the youngsters led by Renato Gaúcho from the opening minutes. Vasco’s challenge is to pick up points on Paraguayan soil to confirm its favoritism and keep control of its group without relying on other results.

+ Follow Papo na Colina on social media: Thread, Bluesky, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok and Google News.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.