Velez Sarsfield (Argentina) vs LDU Quito (Ecuador)
Velez Sarsfield are still alive in the fight for a ticket to the round-of-16. Last week, they took their first three points in the 2021 Copa Libertadores by beating Union La Calera 2-0 away thanks to goals from Agustin Bouzat and Luca Orellano. The team are now third-placed in group G, trailing second-placed LDU Quito by only one in spite of having lost the first two games. On Sunday, coach Mauricio Pellegrino fielded an alternative XI, that had enough to thrash Gimnasia LP 5-0 away to make it three consecutive successes in all competitions. Velez ended up at the top of the group B table in the Copa Liga Profesional, holding a nine-point lead over Boca Juniors in second. At home, Velez won four and lost one of the last five.
Meanwhile, LDU Quito lost 3-2 at home to Flamengo and compromised their chances of advancing to the next round. However, they are still occupying second spot in group G on four points and will need to avoid the defeat at third-placed Velez Sarsfield. Pablo Repetto’s men also succumbed to a 3-1 away defeat at Independiente del Valle last Saturday, which placed them in fifth in the Ecuadorian league table on 18 points in 11 rounds, trailing leaders Emelec by five. Liga are on eight away matches without a win, having drawn six and lost two in the process.