Preview:Nacional vs. Atletico Goianiense - prediction, team news, lineups

Nacional and Atletico Goianiense face off in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana quarter-finals at the Gran Parque Central on Tuesday evening.

Both teams head into this one looking to steal a march on the other ahead of the return leg at the Estadio Antonio Accioly next week on August 9.

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Match preview

Club Nacional were left shell-shocked in their last outing following a 2-1 defeat against Maldonado at the Estadio Domingo Burgueno Miguel on Saturday.

Pablo Repetto's men found themselves two goals down at half time courtesy of a first-half brace from Maximiliano Cantera before Ignacio Ramirez halved the deficit in the second period.

The Tricolors have now been beaten for the first time in 11 outings across all competitions and now set out to bounce back as soon as possible.

Coming up next for the Montevideo-based side is the continuation of their continental commitment as they look to reach the last four of this year's Copa Sudamericana.

Off the back of eight consecutive wins on home turf, Tuesday's hosts will be confident of getting the job done in front of their fans once again.

Atletico Goianiense were beaten for the sixth league game running courtesy of a 4-1 thrashing versus Flamengo at the Maracana on Sunday.

Jorginho's men fell four goals down at the intervals thanks to strikes from Lazaro, Marinho, Arturo Vidal and Victor Hugo after which Wellington Rato pulled one back.

With 17 points from 20 games so far, the Dragons remain 18th in the Brasileiro standings, four points adrift of safety despite playing one game more.

Having conceded eight goals in their last two away outings, Tuesday's visitors will need to keep it tight at the back to avoid another thrashing on the road.

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Team News

Emanuel Gigliotti has scored three goals in his last two home appearances and will be looking to deliver the goods for Nacional once again.

Ignacio Ramirez came off the bench to good effect for the hosts last time out which could him rewarded with a place in the starting XI here.

Twenty-year-old Peglow was hauled off in the first half of Atletico Goianiense's last outing and his involvement on Tuesday currently hangs in the balance.

With five direct goal contributions in seven Copa Sudamericana games this term, Brazilian forward Jorge Jorginho is definitely one to keep an eye on.

Nacional possible starting lineup:

Rochet; Candido, Marichal, Leo Coelho, Lozano; Zabala, Carballo, Rodriguez, Trezza; Fagundez, Gigliotti

Atletico Goianiense possible starting lineup:

Ronaldo; Junio, Edson, Wanderson, Marques; Baralhas, Jorginho, Marlon; Pereira, Ricardinho, Rato

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We say: Nacional 2-0 Atletico Goianiense

Nacional's form on their own turf heading into this one means that it is hard to envisage any other outcome than a home win. We are backing the hosts to cruise to a relatively comfortable victory and take a significant lead into the second leg.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.