Libertadores: Fluminense to face Olimpia for spot in group stage

Brazil’s Fluminense is to face Paraguay’s Olimpia at 9:30 pm Brasília time on Wednesday (Mar. 9) at the Nilton Santos stadium in Rio, for a spot in the third stage prior to the CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores, the last before the second phase, when teams duel each other twice.

Fluminense coach Abel Braga has no major difficulties putting his team together for the decisive match. The absence most bitterly felt is that of top scorer Fred. Argentine striker Germán Cano, however, has been in charge of the attack for a few games now, scoring important goals and proving time and time again he is a great option for Fluminense.

If the Argentine is a sure choice against the Paraguayans, the question remains about other players who have shown their worth on the team in recent matches, such as Colombian attack midfielder Jhon Arias and midfielders Martinelli and Nonato.

After a 2021 season of ups and downs, the Colombian has shown valuable skills early in the season, boasting decisive dribbles and goals. Martinelli and Nonato, on the other hand, have boosted their productivity and are seen to overshadow the team’s starting midfielders, especially Yago.

If on the one side Abel manages to line up his team with no great trouble, Olimpia, on the other, comes into the match with a few issues, first among them the absence of goalkeeper Alfredo Aguilar, who had to treat buttock cellulitis and failed to travel to Rio de Janeiro. Also certain to be missed is striker Guillermo Paiva, Paraguay’s top scorer this season, suspended after being sent off in last week’s match against Colombia’s Atlético Nacional.

So, expectations for Olimpia to show a good performance surround striker Derlis Gonzalez—the team’s number 10 and a constant choice on the Paraguayan national team.