Libertadores: Peñarol must beat Santa Fe today — kick-off time, where to watch and lineups

Peñarol will play Independiente Santa Fe tonight at 9:30 p.m. at the Campeón del Siglo in the final round of Group E of the Copa Libertadores, with a place in the Copa Sudamericana knockout stage on the line. The Uruguayan side enters the match bottom of the group with three points, two behind the Colombian club, and needs a win to keep its international season alive. A draw or defeat would leave Peñarol out of continental competition for the rest of the year.

Santa Fe also has everything to play for. The team, coached by Uruguayan Pablo Repetto, still has a chance to advance to the Copa Libertadores round of 16 if it wins and Platense does not win in Brazil. If Santa Fe draws, it would secure at least a spot in the Sudamericana. Platense currently leads the group with seven points.

Peñarol coach Diego Aguirre will be able to count on some important returns, including Emanuel Gularte and Eric Remedi, both of whom strengthen the starting lineup. Javier Cabrera is also back on the bench. However, Maximiliano Olivera was left out of the squad at the last minute.

Peñarol’s expected starting eleven features Washington Aguerre in goal; Brian Barboza, Emanuel Gularte, Lucas Ferreira and Franco Escobar in defense; Jesús Trindade and Eric Remedi in midfield; Leandro Umpiérrez, Diego Laxalt and Luis Miguel Angulo behind striker Matías Arezo.

Santa Fe’s likely lineup includes Andrés Mosquera; Mateo Puerta, Víctor Moreno, Emmanuel Olivera and Jeison Angulo; Daniel Torres, Kilian Toscano and Nahuel Bustos; with Yeicar Perlaza, Omar Fernández and veteran forward Hugo Rodallega in attack.

The match will be broadcast by ESPN and officiated by Peruvian referee Kevin Ortega. He will be assisted by compatriots Michael Orué and Jesús Sánchez, while Daniel Ureta will serve as fourth official. The VAR team will be made up of Ecuadorians Carlos Orbe and Byron Romero.