Nacional Asuncion vs Delfin SC Predictions

Wednesday’s Copa Libertadores first qualification round, second leg action sees Paraguayans Nacional Asuncion hosting Ecuadorians Delfin. The visitors arrive looking to see through the 3-0 advantage they established in last week’s first leg.

It’s fair to say that Nacional’s return to the Libertadores after a 5 year absence didn’t go to plan in last week’s trip to Ecuador and La Academia are now all but out of the competition at the first hurdle. The side put in a terrible performance and thoroughly deserved to be on the end of such a big defeat.

Nacional then proceeded to lose their domestic league opener 2-0 at home to Guarani over the weekend and having won just 1 of their last 12 games overall, confidence is at rock bottom in home ranks. Also having won just 1 of their last 7 at home, it’s fair to say the side look like needing a miracle if they are to advance on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Delfin were very impressive on home turf and made an excellent start to what is only their second ever Copa Libertadores campaign, having made their debut in the competition last year. El Cetáceo were competitive in the competition last campaign, taking 7 points from 6 group matches and all focus is on trying to make said stage once again by navigating the qualification rounds.

Despite being a small club, Delfin are well-run and are in a healthy state at the moment. Going back to last year, the visitors have lost just 2 of their last 15 matches and having also lost just 2 of their last 7 away games, those taking to the pitch will be confident in their ability to show the resolve needed to see the tie through.

Ultimately, even in top form, Nacional would find it very difficult to overturn a 3-0 deficit but in their current plight, there really looks to be no way back for them. Delfin were the better side in the game between the two last week by quite some margin and it’s very difficult to envisage them throwing away such a commanding lead.

At current prices, backing the visitors on the Double Chance line looks an excellent way to play. They may not dominate the encounter like they did last week and will bring a more defensive game plan, but we think they’ll have more than enough to avoid defeat up against a Nacional outfit that simply cannot buy a win and a 0-0 stalemate may well be on the cards on the night; enough to see the Ecuadorians safely through to the next round.