Guarani vs Juventud Prediction & Betting Tips (26 February)

Guaraní and Juventud meet in Asunción for the decisive leg of their Copa Libertadores qualifying tie, with everything finely balanced after the first match in Uruguay ended 0-0. This is Juventud’s first ever appearance in the competition, while Guaraní are entering their 21st campaign, underlining a big gap in continental experience. Recent weeks have brought encouraging signs for both: Juventud drew 2-2 with Montevideo City Torque in the Uruguayan league, and Guaraní impressed domestically with a vibrant 3-1 victory over San Lorenzo that showcased their attacking depth and home strength.

Guaraní’s form over the past couple of months has been volatile but revealing. They have shared a 2-2 draw with Nacional and suffered heavy defeats such as 0-5 away to Boston River and another 0-5 setback against Universidad de Chile, results that exposed defensive frailties when pressed high. Yet they also showed resilience by responding with a composed 2-1 home win over Universidad de Chile, proving they can reset quickly. For further context on their recent domestic battles, you can revisit their clash with Sportivo Trinidense via this link anchored at 2-1.

On the Juventud side, the last couple of months have painted a picture of a team that competes but often lives on a knife-edge. They have drawn 2-2 with Danubio and 1-1 with Defensor, but also slipped to narrow 0-1 defeats against Nacional and Universidad Católica, before responding with a dramatic 3-4 away win over the same Universidad Católica. Their Libertadores debut has therefore arrived amid fluctuating confidence. To explore more of their recent outings, you can look back at their meeting with Racing Montevideo through this anchor 2-2, or their tense encounter with Boston River via this link labeled 3-4.

News in the build-up has highlighted that Juventud are still adapting to the intensity of continental football, while Guaraní lean on their Libertadores know-how and the backing of Defensores del Chaco. The first leg’s 0-0 stalemate suggested a cautious tactical battle, with Guaraní slightly more incisive in transition and Juventud relying on structured possession. With injuries such as Aldo Pérez’s ligament tear affecting depth, Juventud may again prioritize defensive security. Considering Guaraní’s home record, their recent improvement after setbacks, and analytical models that also favor a narrow home win, a tight second leg decided by a solitary goal looks likely, and our call is a controlled 1-0 scoreline in favor of Guar