Velez Sarsfield advanced to the round-of-16 thanks to the away goals rule after a thrilling 1-1 draw away at Penarol three weeks ago. On Saturday, an alternative XI managed to beat Huracan 2-1 away, which allowed them to climb into the top of group 6 table in the Argentine league, with eight points in four rounds. In fact, the team are yet to lose since coach Mauricio Pellegrino’s arrival, with two victories and four draws. At home, they played three under the new man in charge, winning one and drawing two.
Deportivo Cali beat Millonarios on penalties after their 2-1 home defeat to reach this stage in the Copa Sudamericana. Last Saturday, they drew 1-1 at La Equidad in the first leg of the Colombian league quarter-finals, which means the team are on three competitive games without a win (drawing two in regular time and losing one). On away turf, Alfredo Arias’ men have been winless in the last four, having registered two stalemates and two defeats in that stretch.
Velez is still not a convincing team, Deportivo Cali looks strong enough to avoid a defeat in this first leg.