San Lorenzo and Quilmes meet in the Copa Argentina round of 32 on Saturday, with a place in the last 16 up for grabs at Estadio Ciudad de Vicente López.

While the hosts enter as firm favourites given their top-flight pedigree, their visitors will hope to pull off a shock and extend their cup run in a competition known for surprises.

Match preview

For the hosts, this competition offers a potential path to silverware in a year that has seen inconsistency overshadow early ambitions. A strong performance in front of their home crowd would not only restore confidence but also strengthen belief in Damian Ayude’s project.

Cup football often brings a shift in rhythm, and San Lorenzo know too well how quickly things can unravel in knockout ties. Recent form has exposed their defensive vulnerabilities, and though their frontline has shown intent, the lack of cohesion at the back continues to be a talking point. With the weight of expectation falling on their shoulders, especially against lower-league opposition, focus and discipline will be key.

There is a psychological edge at play here too. San Lorenzo’s record in this fixture is dominant, having won four of the last five meetings against Quilmes. That history cannot be discounted in a match like this, where confidence and muscle memory often make the difference. In a tournament that has seen giants fall in recent years, the hosts will be wary of allowing complacency to creep in.

Tactically, San Lorenzo tend to dictate games through possession and quick interplay between the lines. Their movement in wide areas stretches opponents, while their ability to recycle possession through the middle allows them to set the tempo. The challenge lies in breaking down a side like Quilmes, who are likely to defend in numbers and look to frustrate.

There is little pressure on Quilmes, who will see this as a chance to punch above their weight rather than a burden. Struggles in the league have made it a difficult campaign, but knockout football levels the playing field. 

Aldo Duscher’s side arrive without pressure, and that freedom could be dangerous for their more established opponents. If they can keep their shape and stay compact early on, the longer the game stays even, the more the pressure shifts to San Lorenzo.

Quilmes have shown they can compete, even without victories. Their recent draws show a team that can be difficult to break down when organised. Though goals have been hard to come by, their ability to disrupt rhythm and limit space has kept them in contests. The key will be maintaining that discipline against a team that thrives on gaps and quick transitions.

What the visitors lack in firepower, they often make up for in grit. Matches like this demand collective effort, and every second ball, every recovery run will matter. The challenge will be turning brief moments of possession into meaningful chances. If they can nick a goal, likely from a set piece or counter, they will believe they can hold on.

San Lorenzo Copa Diego Maradona form:

W

San Lorenzo form (all competitions):

D L D W W L

Quilmes Copa Diego Maradona form:

W

Quilmes form (all competitions):

D D L D L D

Team News

San Lorenzo are expected to retain their familiar 4-2-3-1 setup, with Ezequiel Herrera and Jhohan Romana continuing their partnership at the heart of defence. Gonzalo Hernandez and Rafael Baez are likely to operate in the full-back roles.

Ignacio Perruzzi and Nicolas Tripichio should anchor the midfield as a double pivot, providing cover for the back four and initiating transitions. Ezequiel Cerutti and Iker Muniain are in line to start out wide, offering width and creativity in the final third, while Andres Vombergar is set to lead the line once again.

Quilmes, meanwhile, are expected to line up in a 4-4-2 formation, with a compact defensive unit shielded by a hard-working midfield. Joaquin Postigo and Ivan Ramirez will aim to control the central areas, linking defence and attack.

Juan Capano and Emmanuel Herrera are tipped to continue their partnership up front, with the pair carrying the bulk of the attacking responsibility. Federico Perez and Gabriel Aranda are expected to form the core of the defence in front of goalkeeper Esteban Glellel.

San Lorenzo possible starting lineup:

Gull; Herrera, Romana, Hernandez, Baez; Tripichio, Perruzzi; Cerutti, Muniain, Braida; Vombergar

Quilmes possible starting lineup:

Glellel; Perez, Aranda, Flores, Allende; Capano, Postigo, Ramirez, Machado; Roseti, Herrera

We say: San Lorenzo 2-1 Quilmes

San Lorenzo have looked vulnerable in recent weeks, and Quilmes could cause them problems on the break. However, the Primera Division side should have enough quality to edge this one — though it may not come easy. Expect a narrow win for the hosts.

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

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