Emelec (Ecuador) vs Talleres (Argentina)

Emelec took a big step towards the Copa Sudamericana’s round-of-16 last Wednesday, when beating Deportes Tolima 2-0 at home to continue occupying first spot in group G on ten points. That means they will win the group in the event of beating Talleres at home on Tuesday. Last Saturday, the team also beat Mushuc Runa 2-1 away to stay as Ecuadorian league leaders, having accumulated 29 points in 12 rounds (two above arch-rivals Barcelona SC). Overall, Ismael Rescalvo’s men managed three consecutive victories and also are on six games unbeaten at home, winning five and drawing one.

On the other hand, Talleres have run out of chances of advancing to the round-of-16 last Tuesday, when they succumbed to a surprising 1-0 home defeat to Red Bull Bragantino. Following that result, Alexander Medina’s men earned five points in as many games on their return to continental action. After being also knocked out of the Copa Liga Profesional, Talleres are now on four winless games in all competitions (two draws in regular time and two losses). On a positive note, they lost only once across the last eight away matches, winning three and drawing four.

Emelec will secure the first place of the group with a win and they should be able to get it against his already eliminated Talleres.