LDU Quito couldn’t hold onto the first spot in Group D after losing at River Plate 3-0 in matchweek six. The team ended second-placed on 12 points, having produced a remarkable campaign so far. Since then, Pablo Repetto’s men have claimed four victories and two draws, along with a single defeat. Last Saturday, the side drew 1-1 at Guayaquil City. As a result, they were leapfrogged at the top of the league table and are now second-placed on 17 points in nine rounds (one behind Emelec). Liga lost their last home match (2-1 to the current leaders), which stopped their impressive streak of 13 consecutive home victories.
Santos ended up as leaders in group G with 16 points (nine above second-placed Delfin), having beaten Defensa y Justicia 2-1 at home a month ago. Last Saturday, coach Cuca fielded a mostly alternative XI and the side lost 1-0 at Athletico Paranaense. Following that result, O Peixe has been displaced from the Copa Libertadores spots and are now sitting in seventh on 34 points in 22 matches. Overall, Santos won only one of their last four matches, drawing one and losing two. Furthermore, they are winless in the last four on away turf, having taken a single point in that stretch.
I think LDU Quito should be able to take the first step towards the quarter-finals.