Diriangen vs Juventus Managua Match Preview

Match behind closed doors due to COVID-19 outbreak

The knockout phase in the Nicaraguan Championship has begun and Diriangen welcomes Juventus Managua on Thursday at the Cacique Diriangén stadium. In case the match ends in a draw, a half-hour of extra time and the penalty shootout will follow.

Diriangen finished third in the standings at the Clausura championship, along with Real Esteli at 35 points but their opponents were better on the goal average. Diriangen showed a very stable team, especially on their home performances. After a goalless away draw against Real Esteli, they managed to win 3-1 in the previous round over Real Madriz. Their goalscorers were Alvaro Hernandez (2) and Luis Coronel. Diriangen will be lined up without any significant absences on tonight's game.

Although Juventus Managua were defeated 0-1 at home against Deportivo Ocotal, they managed to take a point drawing 1-1 in the last round of the regular season, against Deportivo Las Sabanas away from home. After this result, they secured sixth place in the standings. Their best performances of the season were at their home ground, while away from home, they were much weaker. In tonight's game against Diriangen, I expect them to have a very difficult task.

Diriangen have the upper hand here as they are playing at home, especially against a team like Juventus Managua which are struggling a lot on their away performances. Home to win is my call, covering also the -1,5 AH.