LDU Quito (Ecuador) vs Central Cordoba (Argentina)
LDU Quito took a major step back in their fight to reach the Copa Libertadores round of 16 after losing 2-0 away to CR Flamengo. The team dropped to third place in Group C with eight points, sitting below their last opponent on goal difference. To secure qualification without relying on other results, they must win by two goals and thus overtake CA Central Córdoba, the current group leaders. On Saturday, they suffered a 2-1 away defeat to CD Universidad Católica del Ecuador, slipping to sixth place in the LigaPro table with 20 points from 13 rounds. Liga are winless in their last three matches (one draw and two losses) but remain unbeaten in their last 14 at home, with eight wins and six draws.
CA Central Córdoba continue to live a dream in their first-ever international campaign. Two weeks ago, with goals from Jonathan Galván and Gastón Verón, they earned a 2-1 away win over Deportivo Táchira to remain top of Group C with eleven points, three ahead of both CR Flamengo and LDU Quito. Even a one-goal defeat in this match would be enough to see them through to the round of 16. Central also ended a three-match winless streak across all competitions (one draw and two losses), as well as a run of two consecutive away defeats.
Despite leading the group right now, Central Cordoba are in a tough spot: they have to face a difficult rival and if they lose by more than one goal, combined with Flamengo winning at home in the other, game, they would be eliminated on goal difference despite having 11 points which would be enough to advance in most groups. They’ve been struggling lately and I think they will at Ecuador where the altitude of Quito is always a factor and the home teams know how to take advantage of it.