Prediction Estudiantes vs Cerro Porteño 2025 – Betting Tips for the Copa Libertadores on 20/08/2025

Form, recent meetings and momentum

Two South American heavyweights collide in La Plata with Estudiantes installed as the bookmakers' favorite and plenty of compelling context behind that short price. The two clubs met only a week earlier in a Copa Libertadores tie in which Estudiantes left Asunción with a 1-0 victory, giving them a psychological edge heading into this Round of 16 second leg. Estudiantes arrive with a string of positive results domestically — four wins in five before a narrow 3-2 reverse at Banfield on August 17 — while Cerro Porteño have been productive in attack, turning heads with a 4-3 victory over Guaraní on August 16. That match produced Sergio Araujo’s influence as Cerro’s standout performer in the win; for Estudiantes, Román Gómez was singled out as the best performer in their recent domestic outing.

Tactical matchup and key statistics

On paper the contrast is vivid: Estudiantes look compact and efficient at home, conceding only two goals at their venue in the sample provided and recording five clean sheets, while Cerro Porteño have demonstrated a heavy shot profile overall — 168 total shots and 62 on target across their matches — pointing to an aggressive forward approach. Cerro’s attacking numbers underline their ability to create chances, but their defensive ledger includes more conceded goals, especially away from their best form. Estudiantes combine a solid defensive return with decent attacking output, with dangerous attacks and an average of nearly six corners per home match, hinting at sustained pressure when they control a tie at Estadio Ciudad de La Plata. Recent results also suggest these teams can contribute to entertaining, goal-rich contests; both sides featured in high-scoring games in the days before this fixture.

Prediction and betting suggestion

All signs point to a tight, tense second leg where Estudiantes will look to protect their advantage and lean on home solidity and the momentum of a recent victory over Cerro Porteño. The bookmakers reflect that confidence: Estudiantes are priced around 1.65 with an implied probability north of 60%, while the visitor’s price sits much longer. Given Estudiantes’ ability to keep clean sheets at home in the data provided, their prior 1-0 success in this tie and the crowd advantage at Estadio Ciudad de La Plata, the most rational market to back here is the 1X2.

Betting suggestion: Back Estudiantes to win (Home 1) at the quoted odds (approx. 1.65). This picks the side with the recent head-to-head edge, superior home defensive numbers, and the market support indicating they are the team likeliest to close out the tie in front of their supporters.