Liga Deportiva Universitaria had enough to beat Olimpia via a 4-2 aggregate result, having drawn 1-1 away in Paraguay three weeks ago. On Friday, the team won 2-0 at home over Barcelona to stop a four-game winless run in all competitions (two draws and two defeats in that time). Pablo Repetto’s men are sitting in the eighth spot of the Ecuadorian league table on 32 points in 22 rounds. At home, they are on four games unbeaten, having won three and drawn one.
Boca Juniors haven’t found any difficulties to advance to the Copa Libertadores’ quarter-finals by beating Athletico Paranaense 2-0 at home (3-0 on aggregate). Last weekend, coach Gustavo Alfaro rotated his players but the team still were able to beat Aldosivi 2-0 at home. Therefore, El Xeneize collected seven points from nine available in the Superliga, two behind leaders Sarandi Arsenal. Boca is on six competitive games unbeaten in regular time (four wins, two draws). On away turf, they haven’t lost any of the last seven, with three successes in that spell.
Boca Juniors seem the better side in general terms, but Liga are strong as hosts, especially considering the 2850 meters of altitude in Quito and they will have to take risks on this must-win game knowing that the trip to Buenos Aires will be really tough, so I expect this to create an open game here.