Botafogo vs Estudiantes LP Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Botafogo have had to fight to make it this far, having already came through two qualification rounds. Many thought they would be eliminated in the first of those, against Chilean giants Colo Colo, but a 2-1 win on home soil followed by a valiant 1-1 draw away saw them progress to face off with Olimpia for a spot in the group stage. They defeated the Paraguayans on penalties after both legs ended in 1-0 wins for the home side.  ‘Fogão’ have been looking a very organised side so far in the competition, able to grind out results and withstand heavy opposition pressure. They will be looking to carry that trait into the group stage, to advance from the hurdle they fell at in their last Libertadores appearance in 2014.

Botafogo have been in domestic action, but have mainly being fielding slightly rotated teams, focusing on the Libertadores. They’ve played 6 State League games, winning 3, drawing 1 and losing two. They were last in action last Thursday, and did opt for a full strength team on that occasion, which picked up a 1-0 home win over Volta Redonda.

Estudiantes, by contrast, have not played any games in the competition so far.  Last year’s third place domestic finish was sufficient enough to earn a return to the competition, after only competing in the Sudamericana last year. Los Pincharrata famously won the competition three years in a row between 1968 and 1970, which added to their 2009 conquering, making them the competition’s 4th most successful side.

Estudiantes finally returned to domestic action last week, but didn’t get the result they needed to aid their rapidly fading title chase. They lost an even game 3-2, with a 90th minute goal enough to see lowly Velez pick up the points. Estudiantes looked bright going forward but were dis-organised at the back, and showed poor game management to lose the game so late. The result may well have put the final nail in their title bid, as they now find themselves 7 points behind leaders Boca. They themselves were the runaway leaders not so long ago, remaining undefeated in their opening 10, winning 8, but have started to feel the pressure since and have now lost 4 of the last 5 league games.

Both sides find themselves in a tricky group.  They are joined by last year’s winners Atletico Nacional and Ecuadorian side Barcelona. It’s sure to be a close fight between the four to decide which two advance, and that makes getting off to a good start all the more important.

Botafogo have looked strong so far in the competition, especially on home soil, having already defeated Colo Colo and Olimpia in Rio. Estudiantes must be low on confidence now, having lost 4 of their last 5 competitive outings. Three of those defeats came on away soil, and the side conceded three goals in each of those outings.

With the side that started the season so well becoming a distant memory, Estudiantes have to be underdogs here. Botafogo have shown they are ready to be a force in the competition and should pick up the win in front of the home crowd. We think the match will be a close one but can’t see Estudiantes’ leaky defence keeping a clean sheet and fancy the hosts to grind out another narrow win.