Bahia (Brazil) vs Defensa y Justicia (Argentina)
A week ago, EC Bahia managed to secure a 0-0 away draw at Union Santa Fe, which led them to the Copa Sudamericana’s quarter-finals after their 1-0 home victory in the first leg. On Saturday, the side lost 2-0 at home to Ceara to make it three games without a win in all competitions, drawing one and losing two. As a result of that slump, Mano Menezes’ team remain on 28 points in 13th spot of the Brazilian league table, just four points above the relegation zone. Furthermore, Bahia are on two consecutive defeats at Arena Fonte Nova.
Meanwhile, Defensa y Justicia took an outstanding 1-0 away success at Vasco da Gama thanks to a goal from Gabriel Hachen in the second half to make it 2-1 on aggregate in the round-of-16. It was their only victory in the last nine competitive matches: on Sunday, coach Hernan Crespo fielded an alternative XI and his team ended up losing at Independiente 1-0, which means El Halcon ended the Copa Liga Profesional’s group stage in the bottom spot of group 2 with only two points in six games. Defensa played seven away matches since football returned to South America, registering two wins, one draw and four defeats.
Bahia was lucky to advance in the previous stage and Defensa is a better team than Union was, so I expect them not to lose in this first game.
BET: Defensa y Justicia DNB @ 2.05