Liga Deportiva Universitaria finished as runners-up in the last Ecuadorian league and return to the Copa Libertadores after making it to the quarter-finals in 2019 and lifting the title in 2008. Last Friday, the team won 3-0 away in city derby at El Nacional to make it six points in the first three rounds of league action this year (one behind leaders Universidad Catolica, Tecnico Universitario and Macara). On a sorry note, Liga is winless in their last four home matches in all competitions, drawing two and losing two.
River Plate starts the road to their fifth Copa Libertadores title after becoming Copa Argentina champions last year. The team drew 1-1 at home against Defensa y Justicia on Saturday and are now as league leaders on 46 points, one ahead of second-placed Boca Juniors, with a single round to go. El Millonario is on eight games unbeaten in all competitions, winning seven and drawing one. On away turf, they won the last six in a row (all of them in the league).
River Plate is clearly the better side, but they will use a lineup full of reserves so I’m going with a home win.
BET: LDU Quito – 0.75Â @ 1.96
