Independiente took advantage of the away goals rule last Thursday when they lost 3-2 away at Universidad Catolica in a thrilling game in Ecuador. Last weekend, they had to postpone their home match against Newell’s Old Boys in the Superliga’s round two, which means they remain perfect with three points. The aforementioned defeat broke El Rojo’s three-game winning run in all competitions, but they are strong at home, having not lost any of the last six (five victories, one draw).
Independiente del Valle hasn’t found any difficulties to overcome Venezuelan outfit Caracas 2-0 at home three weeks ago (2-0 on aggregate). However, they are winless since then following two draws and one defeat. In fact, the team drew 1-1 at America Quito last Saturday, when coach Miguel Angel Ramirez picked an alternative XI. As a result, Independiente del Valle are third-placed in the Ecuadorian league table on 39 points, five behind leaders Universidad Catolica. They are on five away games without a win in all competitions, with three draws and two losses.
The Argentinean Independiente had to postpone their weekend game because CONMEBOL surprisingly scheduled this game for Tuesday when on Thursday they had played the previous round at the altitude of Quito. They are still rebuilding their team under a new coach, and because of this, the handicap line looks too big in my opinion.