Sao Paulo (Brazil) vs LDU Quito (Ecuador)
Sao Paulo had a rough night in the first leg and succumbed to a 2-1 away defeat at LDU Quito last Thursday, which means they are now in need of a win to keep their hope alive. On Sunday, Dorival Junior’s men lost 2-1 away at America Mineiro to make it three competitive games without a win (one stalemate and two losses). O Tricolor dropped down to the 11th place of the Brasileirao table on 28 points. On a positive note, Sao Paulo are on three matches unbeaten at home, winning two and drawing one without even conceding.
LDU Quito left very good impressions last week to beat Sao Paulo 2-1 at home and took the first step towards the Copa Sudamericana semi-finals. On Sunday, they also won 3-1 away at Gualaceo to make it eight points in four rounds of the Ecuadorian league second stage, becoming one of the leaders (alongside Mushuc Runa and Delfin). Liga are on four matches unbeaten in all competitions, winning two and drawing two. On the road, they haven’t lost any of the last nine (four victories and five stalemates).
I don’t think Sao Paulo are good enough to cover this spread, they can win of course but LDU should be able to hold and at least take the series to a penalties shootout.