Lucas Bernardi was already beginning to feel the heat in La Plata but after his Estudiantes side failed to beat Real Garcilaso in Cusco, elimination from this year’s Copa Libertadores looks increasingly likely.

Nacional’s victory over Santos later on Tuesday evening means that the Uruguayans simply need to avoid defeat by more than two goals when they meet Estudiantes in three weeks.

Real Garcilaso have failed to score since their surprise opening day victory over Santos and Estudiantes’ plight in front of goal continues making the goalless draw at the Estadio Garcilaso all the more predictable.

Both sides created chances and Jonathan Schunke went close with a first half header but it was a game devoid of quality in which neither really deserved three points.

The result already guarantees Santos a place in the last 16 and Nacional will be confident of joining them after they meet Estudiantes in La Plata.

Should that be the case and Estudiantes have perhaps a Copa Sudamericana spot to console themselves with, Lucas Bernardi may find he is not the manager to lead that campaign.