Playoff Showdown: Estudiantes Takes on Defensa in La Plata

Estudiantes and Defensa y Justicia will meet on Monday at Estadio UNO Jorge Luis Hirschi in a match that could be key for the Clausura playoffs, as reported by TyC Sports. Estudiantes comes into the game after suffering three consecutive losses, while Defensa is looking to bounce back from a defeat against Platense.

Eduardo Domínguez’s team is still recovering from a 2-1 loss to Flamengo in the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals. They conceded two early goals again, similar to their previous games against Central Córdoba and River. This trend has contributed to their three-match losing streak, although they managed to improve defensively later in those matches. With a return match against Flamengo coming up, Domínguez knows his players need to start strong to avoid further setbacks in their domestic campaign.

Defensa, guided by Mariano Soso, had a four-match unbeaten run that had momentarily put them in contention for the top spot. However, a 2-1 loss at home to Platense disrupted their momentum and left them trailing. Now, they travel to La Plata aiming to secure three points that could enhance their ranking and bring them closer to a Copa Sudamericana spot, as they currently sit five points away from that goal.

Both teams are in a close race within the Clausura standings. Estudiantes and Defensa are currently sixth and seventh, tied at 12 points. The outcome of this match is crucial: winning could give either team a better chance at advancing to the round of 16, while losing could make it harder to keep pace in a competitive environment.