Oberá faces a hard sudest: debut in Rio against Defensor

Wind, court and the referee will decide what comes next in Rio. Oberá TC debuts this Friday in the Sudamericana against Defensor Sporting, in a group that leaves little room for mistakes.

A group with no room for comfort

The Misioneros will play three games in Group D, sharing the stage with Brazilian Flamengo, Uruguayan Defensor Sporting and Colombian Paisas BBC. The top two advance to the quarterfinals; the other two are eliminated. It is Oberá's fourth appearance in the last five editions of the tournament.

The start in the Argentine league is not encouraging: one win and four defeats. In the previous continental campaign, in 2025, the team did not get past the group stage. The objective now is clear: reverse the trend and compete with the two best.

Coach Fabio Demti will lean on Bruno Sansimoni, Agustin Brocal, Jonatan Torresi and Santiago Barrales. William Vorhees provides presence in the paint, while Tyrese Prince is an option from the perimeter. Defensor has continental experience after reaching the semifinals of the Uruguayan league. Flamengo, the local team, also has weight: Yago Santos, Didi Louzada, Franco Baralle and Alex Negrete are among its players.

“It is not enough to win one game and count on what happens around us. The format asks us to maintain the level from the debut.”Fabio Demti

• First opponent: Defensor Sporting, in Rio de Janeiro.
• Next rival: Flamengo, at home and one of the tournament's most experienced teams.
• The third game will be against Paisas BBC.
• Only the top two in the group reach the quarterfinals.

Oberá needs a strong start, because in a short group every result weighs. The debt with the previous edition is still there. Now comes the next test, with Defensor first and Flamengo waiting in the distance.