On April 2, 2025, Sportivo Luqueño and Grêmio will clash in a thrilling match for the first round of the group stage of the Copa Sudamericana. Scheduled to kick off at 21:30 (Brasília time), the game will take place at the Estádio Defensores del Chaco in Asunción, Paraguay. Fans can catch all the action live on Paramount+, the exclusive streaming service for this highly anticipated encounter.
Sportivo Luqueño, currently struggling at the bottom of the Paraguayan Championship, aims to turn their fortunes around in this international competition. The team has faced significant challenges domestically, but the altitude of Asunción may provide them with a unique advantage over their Brazilian opponents. Coach Gustavo Morínigo has been focusing on bolstering the physical aspects of the team, especially since many players missed the pre-season preparations.
On the other hand, Grêmio arrives at this match riding high after a 2-1 victory over Atlético-MG in their Campeonato Brasileiro opener. The Brazilian side is considered a strong contender for the title, boasting a more experienced squad. However, they will be without key players, including defender Rodrigo Ely, who is suspended, and left-back Luan Cândido, who is still recovering in Porto Alegre. Forward Martin Braithwaite is back from injury but is expected to start on the bench.
Both teams are looking to establish their presence in Group D, which also includes Godoy Cruz from Argentina and Clube Atlético Grau from Peru. While Grêmio is seen as the favorite to top the group, Sportivo Luqueño is determined to secure a solid position and potentially advance to the knockout stages.
Historically, this will be the first meeting between Sportivo Luqueño and Grêmio in the Copa Sudamericana. Sportivo Luqueño has participated in the tournament seven times, reaching the semifinals in 2015, while Grêmio is on a quest for their first title in this competition, having reached the quarterfinals in 2012.
In their most recent domestic outing, Sportivo Luqueño drew 2-2 against Sportivo Ameliano, failing to secure a win and remaining at the bottom of the Paraguayan league table. Their home performance this season has been lackluster, with only two victories, three draws, and two losses out of seven matches. The team’s recent struggles have raised concerns among fans, but they hope to harness the home advantage to disrupt Grêmio’s plans.
Grêmio, meanwhile, is looking to build on their recent success in the Brazilian league. Their victory over Atlético-MG not only ended a four-match winless streak but also provided a much-needed boost in confidence. The team is eager to make a strong impression in the Copa Sudamericana after a disappointing 14th place finish in the last Campeonato Brasileiro, which led to their qualification for this tournament.
As both teams prepare for this crucial clash, the anticipated lineups are as follows:
Sportivo Luqueño:
Goalkeeper: Alfredo Aguilar
Defenders: Rodi Ferreira, Pablo Aguilar, Alexis Villalba, Iván Torres
Midfielders: Lautaro Comas, Ángel Benítez, Rubén Darío Ríos, Julio César Báez
Forwards: Elvio Vera, Walter González
Coach: Gustavo Morínigo
Grêmio:
Goalkeeper: Tiago Volpi
Defenders: Igor Serrote, Jemerson, Wagner Leonardo, Lucas Esteves
Midfielders: Camilo, Villasanti, Edenílson (Cristaldo)
Forwards: Cristian Olivera, Amuzu, Arezo (Braithwaite)
Coach: Gustavo Quinteros
The match will be broadcast live on Paramount+, and fans can look forward to an exciting showdown as Sportivo Luqueño seeks to capitalize on their home advantage against a determined Grêmio side. With both teams eager to make a mark in this tournament, the stage is set for an unforgettable encounter.
As kickoff approaches, the excitement builds. Will Sportivo Luqueño rise to the occasion and secure a vital win at home, or will Grêmio's experience and skill shine through to claim victory on the road? Only time will tell as these two teams battle it out for crucial points in the Copa Sudamericana.
