Olimpia Asuncion vs Botafogo Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Brazilians Botafogo bring a narrow 1-0 lead to the Paraguayan capital for this second leg. That game was one of few chances, although Botafogo created the better of what little was created. Olimpia had more of the possession (55% to Botafogo’s 45%) but struggled in the final third. They will have to improve in that aspect if they are to pull back the one goal deficit and advance to the group phase.

Olimpia, or the “King of Cups” as locals refer to them, certainly have a history in the competition, having won it on three occasions. The last of those came back in 2002, with a runners up medal in 2013 the best effort since.  Olimpia’s new manager Pablo Repetto has a runners up medal far more recent – he was in charge of the Independiente del Valle side that captured the hearts of the continent last year, reaching the final before falling to Atletico Nacional. With him he has brought two members of said side, having signed up Jonathan Gonzalez and goalkeeper Librado Azcon. Repetto and co. eliminated their old side from the tournament to advance to this tie, hauling back a 1-0 first deficit with a 3-1 home win.

Olimpia have made an ok start on the domestic front with a win and a draw. That being said the draw was a disappointing one, as they failed to beat newly promoted Independiente FBC in last Sunday’s encounter. They made a few changes to the team, but it was still an eleven that should have be strong enough to win. The game ended 1-1 with both sides scoring from the penalty spot.

Botafogo last competed in the competition in 2014, going out in the group stage phase they are aiming to get into here. They have already eliminated Chilean giants Colo-Colo this year, in a result that surprised many. Botafogo took a slender one goal lead to the Chilean capital but were resilient in defence after conceding an early 4th minute goal,  thereafter limiting Colo Colo to half chances. They also posed enough of a threat at the other end to notch in a 1-1 draw.

On the domestic front, Botafogo have also been playing slightly rotated teams. They sit third out of 6 in Group B of the Carioca State League, with a record of 2-1-2. Like Olimpia, they were also in action over the weekend, as a mainly second string won 3-2 at Boavista. One key positive from the game was the return of key defender Joel Carli, but it remains to be seen if he will feature in this one.

Botafogo find themselves in an even better position here than they did against Colo Colo, having not conceded an away goal in the first leg. However, it still looks like an uphill, backs to the wall job awaiting them. Olimpia have scored at least two goals in 7 of their last 8 home games, and will be roared on by a fervent home crowd. Olimpia are the favourites tonight, but so were Colo Colo last week at far lower odds, and they had an equally as frightening record as hosts.

We do think the hosts have enough about them to win the match, but it is about whether or not that is by a big enough margin to settle the tie.  We anticipate the hosts making a fast start to the game, as they did last week against Independiente del Valle, racing into an early two goal lead. While Botafogo defended well against Colo Colo, they did struggle to settle into the game and came under early pressure, falling behind in the first 5 minutes. We believe that Olimpia can once again notch in the opening period. but may struggle thereafter to extend their lead. Our correct score predictions suggest that this one may have to be settled from the spot after 90 minutes.