Emelec (Ecuador) vs Atletico Mineiro (Brazil)
Emelec are back into the top 16 of the Copa Libertadores after finishing in second spot in group A on eight points: they thrashed Bolivia’s Independiente Petrolero 7-0 at home and took advantage of Deportivo Tachira’s loss at Palmeiras. The team haven’t seen any action since May 28th, when they drew 1-1 away at Tecnico Universitario to end up sixth-placed in the first stage of the Ecuadorian league. Overall, El Bombillo won only one of their last six competitive matches, drawing two and losing three. At home, they lost two of the last eight, along with five victories and one draw.
Meanwhile, Atletico Mineiro lost 2-1 to Deportes Tolima from Colombia at home in their last Copa Libertadores game. However, they still managed to end up at the top of the group D table on 11 points. Last Saturday, coach Antonio Mohamed fielded an alternative XI and his team won 3-2 over Fortaleza EC at home. O Galo are fifth-placed in the Brazilian league table on 24 points after 14 rounds. Atletico Mineiro have been unbeaten in their last five matches in all competitions (winning three and drawing two), but they also haven’t claimed any victories in the last three on the road (two stalemates and one defeat).
Atletico is one of the top scoring teams in the brazilian league with 22 in 14 games, and they will face this Emelec that knows that must win at home but also can’t be in great form after not playing in a month, so I expect an open game.