Inter downplays advantage against Estudiantes

SAO PAULO, Brazil (AP) -- Although Internacional needs only a draw against Estudiantes to become the first Brazilian club to win the Copa Sudamericana on Wednesday, the team is being cautious not to get too upbeat.

"The advantage is minimum," coach Tite said. "All players know that they will have to play very hard in the second leg. There can't be any mistakes. We are working hard, completely focused."

Internacional is trying to win its fifth international title in the last two years. It won the Copa Libertadores and FIFA's Club World Cup in 2006, and the Recopa Sudamericana in 2007. Earlier this year, it clinched the Dubai Cup, in addition to the Rio Grande do Sul state championship.

Internacional beat Estudiantes 1-0 last week in Argentina despite playing one man down after midfielder Pablo Guinazu was dismissed in the 24th minute following two yellow cards.

"Just like we won there, they can come here and complicate things for us, too," Internacional defender Bolivar said. "We know we have the advantage, but the fans need to know that it's not going to be easy. We'll have to play hard until the end."

Fans were upbeat with the first leg win, and the more than 50,000 tickets for Wednesday's match at Beira-Rio stadium have already been sold out.

The suspended Guinazu will be replaced by Andrezinho, and Tite may also have to replace defender Indio after he injured his right ankle in Monday's practice and is listed as doubtful.

Estudiantes coach Leonardo Astrada, who played for Internacional rival Gremio in 2000, may make two changes to the team that played in the first leg. Midfielder Rodrigo Brana could return after missing the match in Argentina because of a suspension, probably replacing Diego Galvan. Gaston Fernandez could replace Juan Manuel Salgueiro on the attack.

"We remain confident because we know that we still have 90 minutes to score a goal," Estudiantes midfielder Leandro Benitez said. "There is no reason to be desperate."

Internacional can also become the first team to win the Copa Sudamericana unbeaten since the competition began in 2002.

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