Barcelona (Ecuador) – Velez Sarsfield (Argentina)
Barcelona SC will need to win at home in order to advance to the Copa Libertadores’ quarter-finals following their 1-0 away defeat at Velez Sarsfield last Wednesday. Last Sunday, coach Fabian Bustos fielded a mostly alternative XI that still managed to beat Macara 3-0 at home. That victory stopped a three-game winless run of one draw and two defeats in all competitions and also allowed them to stay occupying the second spot in the Ecuadorian league table on 32 points, three behind leaders Emelec. El Idolo hold an impressive 20-game unbeaten run at home, winning 15 and drawing five since losing to Flamengo in September 2020.
Velez Sarsfield took a big step towards the quarter-finals after their 1-0 home victory over Barcelona SC thanks to a goal from Juan Martin Lucero in the first half. On Saturday, coach Mauricio Pellegrino rested most of his regulars and the team settled for a 0-0 home draw against Racing Club in the Liga Profesional’s opener. El Fortin have been unbeaten in their last nine competitive matches, having won six and drawn three in regular time. On away turf, they grabbed seven points from the last nine on offer without even conceding.
Last week Barcelona was very close to get the draw I expected, and now I will trust them again as they will play at home where they are super strong.
BET: Barcelona -0.5 @ 2.05