Guarani vs San Lorenzo Prediction & Betting Tips (13 February)

Guaraní step into this Copa de Primera meeting with a sense of renewal after a turbulent start to their 2024–25 campaign. The club spent much of December and early January adjusting to the departure of coach Rodrigo López, who left after a short spell, and the arrival of new manager Francisco Arce, whose return to Paraguayan football generated plenty of local discussion. Under Arce, Guaraní have tried to stabilize their defensive structure while giving more minutes to younger players such as Marcelo González and Ángel Benítez. Their preseason preparations included a handful of friendlies, but the more telling signs came in their opening Apertura fixtures, where they showed improved discipline compared to the chaotic end of last season.

San Lorenzo, meanwhile, have been one of the more intriguing sides in Paraguay over the past two months. After securing promotion back to the top flight, they spent January reinforcing their squad with experienced names like Sebastián Fernández and the return of Iván Cazal. Their early 2025 Apertura matches demonstrated a team eager to press high and unsettle opponents, though they also revealed defensive gaps that coach Sergio Orteman has been working to correct. The club’s board has been vocal about aiming for mid‑table stability rather than a relegation fight, and their recent performances suggest they are capable of meeting that target if they maintain consistency.

Looking at recent competitive action, Guaraní’s last official matches before this fixture included a narrow defeat to Libertad and a hard‑earned draw against Nacional, both of which highlighted their struggle to convert possession into goals. Still, the team’s defensive line, led by Roberto Fernández, has shown signs of cohesion. San Lorenzo’s latest outings featured a spirited win over Sportivo Luqueño and a tight loss to Olimpia, matches that underlined their energetic approach but also their vulnerability when forced to defend deep. Both sides arrive with contrasting rhythms: Guaraní more measured and cautious, San Lorenzo more aggressive and transitional.

All of this sets the stage for a match where Guaraní’s experience and home advantage could tilt the balance. Their recent improvements under Arce, combined with San Lorenzo’s occasional defensive lapses, make a controlled performance from the hosts a realistic expectation. With that in mind, the preview leans toward a disciplined display from Guaraní and a firm defensive stance that limits San Lorenzo’s transitions. The predicted correct score is 2:0 in favor of Guaraní.