LDU Quito (Ecuador) vs Defensa y Justicia (Argentina)
LDU Quito managed a much-needed 2-1 away success at Antofagasta two weeks ago to keep their hope alive in the Copa Sudamericana. The team are now second-placed in group F on nine points, trailing leaders Atletico Goianiense by three (and a large goal-difference disadvantage) but with this game in hand. On Saturday, Luis Zubeldia’s men beat Delfin 3-2 at home to make it three consecutive successes in all competitions and remain occupying third spot in the Ecuadorian league table on 25 points in 13 games, two behind leaders Barcelona with only two rounds remaining in the first stage. At home, Liga are on 12 matches unbeaten, winning eight and drawing four.
Meanwhile, Defensa y Justicia are already out of chances to fight for a ticket to the Copa Sudamericana round of 16 following their 3-2 away defeat to Atletico Goianiense in matchweek four (when coach Sebastian Beccacece fielded a completely alternative XI). El Halcon played their last competitive game on May 10th, when they lost 2-0 at Boca Juniors in the Copa Liga Profesional’s quarter-finals. Defensa lost five of their last nine competitive matches, winning two and drawing two. On away turf, they lost three of the last four, only beating Union Santa Fe in the process.
Defensa are already eliminated, they’ve been awful lately and I don’t think they will be focused enough to get something from this game.