2 de Mayo vs Olimpia Asuncion on January 29
On January 29, the Paraguayan Premier League will witness an intense clash between 2 de Mayo and Olimpia Asuncion, two teams with contrasting aspirations this season. With the home side fighting to secure their top-flight status and the visitors pushing for yet another title, this match promises to deliver both tactical intricacies and high-stakes drama. At the heart of this confrontation lies not only the fight for points but the battle for supremacy in a tournament that has been a testing ground for some of the region’s finest football talent.
2 de Mayo: Tactical Approach and Current Form
2 de Mayo are enduring a challenging campaign in the Premier League. Their recent form—two wins, one draw, and two losses in the last five games—reflects their vulnerability, particularly in defensive transitions and when under high pressure. Coach Héctor Marecos has preferred a 4-4-2 formation that looks to stay compact and break quickly through the wings, utilizing the pace of their wingers to create space. However, they have struggled with ball retention in advanced areas, which has hindered their build-up play, as seen in their recent 2-0 loss to Libertad, where they recorded just 42% possession and failed to get a shot on target in the second half. A primary focus for them will be maintaining defensive shape while exploiting any weaknesses on the counterattack.
Defensively, their vulnerability to crosses is a concern. In the last five matches, they have conceded 8 goals, with 4 of those coming from set pieces or crosses into the box. This makes them particularly susceptible to a team like Olimpia, whose attacking players are proficient in aerial duels and exploiting space in the final third.
Key Player: Lucas Rodríguez, their central midfielder, is the engine of their play. Rodríguez’s passing accuracy stands at 83% this season, but his ability to control tempo and break lines will be crucial. His creativity is the key to linking midfield and attack. The absence of central defender Ramón Díaz, suspended for this match, will be a major blow as he is their most reliable aerial defender, which may exacerbate their already shaky defensive frailty.
Olimpia Asuncion: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Olimpia Asuncion, one of the most decorated clubs in South America, come into this match in red-hot form, with four wins and a draw in their last five games. Their 4-3-3 formation has been devastating for opposition defenses, with a heavy emphasis on possession-based football. Coach Sergio Óscar Aquino has implemented a high-pressing strategy that sees the midfielders close down spaces quickly, forcing turnovers in dangerous areas. Olimpia’s attack revolves around their potent wingers, who often cut inside, allowing the full-backs to overlap and stretch the defensive line.
Offensively, Olimpia boast the league’s highest xG (expected goals) per match, averaging 2.2 xG, with 12 goals scored in their last 5 outings. Their build-up play is fluid, with quick, precise passing through the thirds, often looking to find the feet of their playmaker, Richard Ortiz, just outside the opposition box. Ortiz’s vision and ability to execute killer passes in tight spaces are fundamental to their offensive threat. While they dominate possession, their success depends on quick ball recovery when they lose it, and they have shown resilience in this area, with a high number of successful pressing actions per match.
Defensively, their compact 4-3-3 formation allows little space between the lines, and with centre-back pairing Antolín Alcaraz and José Leguizamón, Olimpia have the experience and physicality to manage aerial duels. However, their susceptibility to set-pieces has been evident in their 1-1 draw against Guarani, where a header from a corner kick cost them two points. Nevertheless, their overall defensive numbers are strong, as they have conceded the least amount of goals in the league this season.
Key Player: Veteran forward, Roque Santa Cruz, is a pivotal player in both attack and build-up. The 40-year-old remains a threat in the air and his ability to hold the ball up and bring others into play will be vital for Olimpia to break down the deep-lying defense of 2 de Mayo. Santa Cruz has 8 goals this season and is often involved in orchestrating link-up play at the top of the attack.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
Historically, Olimpia has had the upper hand over 2 de Mayo, winning 5 of the last 6 encounters. Their most recent clash, a 4-1 victory for Olimpia in October 2025, showcased their superior quality in both attack and defense. 2 de Mayo’s only victory in this period came in a 1-0 win in the 2024 season, where they managed to frustrate Olimpia with their disciplined low-block and effective counter-attacking strategy.
Psychologically, Olimpia will come into this match with the confidence of a team at the top of the table, with their title aspirations very much intact. 2 de Mayo, on the other hand, will be under pressure to perform in front of their home fans, knowing that dropping points in this match could have serious ramifications for their survival hopes.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
One of the key battles will occur between the wingers of 2 de Mayo and the full-backs of Olimpia. 2 de Mayo’s primary offensive threat comes from their wide players, and they will look to exploit the space behind the attacking full-backs of Olimpia, particularly in quick transitions. Olimpia’s full-backs, Fabián Balbuena and Gabriel Báez, will have to be cautious, balancing their attacking duties with defensive responsibilities.
Another crucial battle will be in the midfield, where Lucas Rodríguez will face off against Richard Ortiz. Rodríguez's ability to break lines and disrupt Olimpia’s midfield will be key for 2 de Mayo to establish control of the match. If Ortiz is able to control possession and dictate the tempo for Olimpia, it will be a long evening for the home side.
Match Scenario and Prediction
The most likely match scenario is a dominant showing from Olimpia, controlling possession and creating several high-quality chances through their fluid attacking play. 2 de Mayo will look to disrupt their rhythm with a compact defensive setup, looking for quick counter-attacks when they win the ball. However, the absence of Díaz at the back will make 2 de Mayo even more vulnerable to aerial threats and crosses, areas where Olimpia excels. With Santa Cruz and Ortiz in top form, Olimpia’s attacking prowess is likely to overpower 2 de Mayo’s defensive organization.
Prediction: Olimpia to win 3-1. Expect them to dominate possession, registering over 60% of the ball, and potentially scoring from at least one set piece. 2 de Mayo will likely have their moments but may struggle to contain Olimpia’s attacking firepower.
Final Thoughts
As Olimpia Asuncion head into this match as heavy favorites, the outcome will depend on whether 2 de Mayo can withstand the pressure and exploit any gaps on the counter. The clash between Olimpia's offensive strength and 2 de Mayo's defensive resilience will be key in determining the final score. Will Olimpia continue their march towards the title, or can 2 de Mayo pull off a surprise and escape the relegation battle?
This match will answer whether 2 de Mayo have the resilience to survive or if Olimpia will assert their dominance in their quest for the Premier League crown.
