Independiente Medellin are still alive in the Copa Sudamericana. After a disappointing debut, the team managed a vital 4-2 home success over Peruvian side Universidad Cesar Vallejo to make it three points in two rounds in group A, trailing leaders Defensa y Justicia and Always Ready by one so far. On Sunday, El Rojo drew 2-2 as hosts against Atletico Nacional in a heated derby. They made it 26 points in 18 rounds, trailing the last playoff spot by two with one round to go. Alfredo Arias’ men are unbeaten in their last five matches (winning three and drawing two) while they took seven points from nine on offer at home.

Meanwhile, Defensa y Justicia wasted a big chance in round two, drawing 1-1 at home against Bolivian side Always Ready following a disappointing performance. Last Saturday, El Halcon lost on penalties following a 1-1 stalemate against Argentinos Juniors at Banfield, which knocked them out of the Copa Liga Profesional in the quarter-finals. Julio Vaccari’s men are on six competitive matches unbeaten, winning four and drawing two in regular time. On away turf, Defensa haven’t lost any of the last seven (four victories and three stalemates).

Independiente Medellin defense has been terrible lately: they’ve conceded 19 goals in their last 10 games, with only one clean sheet over this streak, and I expect them to have problems at well against this solid Defensa who has their best striker, Nicolas Fernandez, back in the starting lineup.