In a highly anticipated clash, Sportivo Luqueño will face Grêmio on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 21h30 (Brasilia time), as the two teams kick off their campaigns in the Copa Sul-Americana 2025. The match will take place at the Estádio Defensores del Chaco in Assunção, Paraguay, and will be broadcast live on Paramount+.
Grêmio, known as the Tricolor Gaúcho, enters this match with momentum after a solid performance in their debut in the Campeonato Brasileiro, where they secured a 2-1 victory against Atlético Mineiro. Coach Gustavo Quinteros has been keen to maintain the team's winning streak and will rely on a strong lineup that includes goalkeeper Tiago Volpi and forwards Pavón and Arezo.
On the other hand, Sportivo Luqueño is currently struggling in the Paraguayan Championship, sitting at the bottom of the league table with only two wins from eleven matches. The team has faced a tough season, losing five games and managing just ten points. Despite their struggles domestically, they did secure a spot in the Copa Sul-Americana by defeating Sportivo Ameliano 2-0 in the preliminary phase earlier in March.
Sportivo Luqueño's coach, Gustavo Morínigo, will be looking to turn the tide for his team and could make significant changes to the starting lineup, potentially swapping out as many as nine players. Key players expected to remain include Walter González, Elvio Vera, and Lautaro Comas, who have shown promise in recent matches.
Grêmio's lineup for the match is expected to feature: Tiago Volpi; João Pedro, Jemerson, Wagner Leonardo, and Lucas Esteves; Dodi, Villasanti, and Cristaldo; Arezo, Pavón, and Amuzu. This formation reflects Quinteros' strategy to leverage their recent form and capitalize on Luqueño's vulnerabilities.
In contrast, Sportivo Luqueño is likely to field a lineup that includes: Alfredo Aguilar; Rodi Ferreira, Alexis Villalba, Pablo Aguilar, and Iván Torres; Lautaro Comas, Ángel Benítez, Rubén Darío Ríos, and Julio César Báez; Elvio Vera and Walter González. Morínigo's strategy will focus on utilizing home advantage and finding ways to disrupt Grêmio's attacking flow.
The stakes are high for both teams as they seek to establish themselves early in the tournament. For Grêmio, a win would solidify their confidence and enhance their standing in Group D, which includes Godoy Cruz from Argentina and Peru's Clube Atlético Grau. Meanwhile, Sportivo Luqueño is desperate for a positive result to lift their spirits and gain momentum in what has been a challenging season.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the kickoff, with many hoping for a thrilling match that could set the tone for the rest of the tournament. The atmosphere at the Estádio Defensores del Chaco is expected to be electric, as home supporters rally behind Sportivo Luqueño in hopes of a much-needed victory.
As the match draws closer, all eyes will be on the tactical battle between Morínigo and Quinteros, each aiming to outsmart the other and claim the first three points of the Copa Sul-Americana. With both teams having something to prove, this match promises to be an exciting encounter.
In conclusion, the clash between Sportivo Luqueño and Grêmio is set to be a significant event in the Copa Sul-Americana 2025, with both teams looking to secure a valuable win. Fans can catch all the action live on Paramount+, and the buildup to the game is sure to create a buzz in the football community.
