Nacional play host to Metropolitanos in the Copa Libertadores on Wednesday evening looking for a victory that would secure their progress to the knockout stages.
However, this will represent Metropolitanos' last fixture in this year's competition having lost all five of their games in Group B.
Match preview
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Nacional can claim to have enjoyed a productive season thus far, collecting 29 points from their 15 fixtures in the Torneo Apertura to finish in second place in that competition.
The Torneo Intermedio, the follow-up campaign in Uruguay's top flight, has seen Nacional claim four points from three games to sit in third, with their one defeat coming away at Liverpool last time out.
Nevertheless, even though they went down by a 3-0 scoreline, confidence should remain that they can get over the line in the Copa Libertadores, with their fate in their own hands despite occupying third spot in Group B.
With the top two of Independiente Medellin and Internacional facing each other and just two points separating first and third, Nacional will guarantee at least second place if they can overcome their next opponents.
Alvaro Gutierrez and his side have the backup of a place in the Copa Sudamericana, yet they will want to take a step closer to winning this competition with their last triumph coming all the way back in 1988.
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From Metropolitanos' perspective, they earned qualification for this tournament through winning the Venezuelan top flight for the first time in their history.
Despite breaking new ground, though, they have endured a dismal 2023 campaign on the continental scene, scoring just four and conceding 10 times during five successive defeats.
Four of those losses have been by one-goal margins, the other being a 4-2 defeat to Independiente Medellin, but Jose Maria Morr will be disappointed with failing to get a single point on the board.
Nineteen games have passed in all competitions without Metropolitnaos registering a draw, with seven wins and 12 defeats being posted during that time.
Focusing on domestic activities may prove beneficial with the club currently sixth in the Primeira Division and 13 points adrift of top spot.
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Team News
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Yonathan Rodriguez and Federico Martinez were hauled off at half time against Liverpool, but the Nacional duo may still retain their spots for this game.
Camilo Candido is in line to return at left-back after missing the most recent continental fixture through suspension, as may Gaston Pereiro on the right flank for the same reasons.
Metropolitanos will have to make do without Jose Luis Moreno after his sending off for two yellow cards last time out.
Steven Pabon appears most likely to deputise in the middle of the backline, but Morr will give consideration to rotating his players, as well as handing Giovanny Sequera a place in the squad after serving a ban.
Irwin Anton may retain his place in attack courtesy of missing the next league fixture through suspension.
Nacional possible starting lineup:
Rochet; Lozano, Noguera, Polenta, Candido; Y. Rodriguez, D. Rodriguez; Pereiro, Zabala, Martinez; Ramierez
Metropolitanos possible starting lineup:
Schiavone; Vargas, Camarillo, Pabon, Valderrey; D. Gomez, Marchan, Larotonda, Vargas; Anton, Ortiz
We say: Nacional 2-1 Metropolitanos
On paper, this should be a win for Nacional, particularly with home advantage in their favour. However, the pressure on their shoulders combined by the extra freedom for the visitors may lead to no more than a narrow victory for the hosts.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
