Argentine soccer team Rosario Central must beat Brazil's Palmeiras in Thursday's Libertadores Cup group seven game in hopes of staying in the running for the tournament's knockout stage.

With one point after three matches played, the Argentine team stand last place in the four-team group. It lost its first two games and drew its third game also against Palmeiras.

Rosario has been improving since the arrival of new manager Leonardo Astrada, moving from regular losses in domestic and international competition to three consecutive draws.

The game will begin at 9.15 p.m. local time (0015 GMT) in the Gigante de Arroyito Stadium on Thursday, with Uruguay's Roberto Silvera to officiate as the referee.

Colombia's Atletico Nacional de Medellin leads the group with six points, followed by Palmeiras with five and Paraguay's Cerro Porteno with four.

Atletico and Cerro will also meet on Thursday, in the Colombian city of Medellin. Palmeiras rank second in the local league, four points behind Sao Paolo team Santos.

Source: Xinhua