America de Cali (Colombia) vs Hurricane (Argentina)
CD América de Cali remain in contention in the Copa Sudamericana. Last week, they secured a valuable 1-1 draw against SC Corinthians, which allowed them to climb to second place in Group C with six points—four behind Huracán and one ahead of the Brazilian side. The team had no domestic league action over the weekend, having previously rescheduled matches to stay fresh for this decisive stage of the international tournament. América currently sit second in the Colombian Apertura with 33 points from 18 matches, two behind Atlético Nacional. They are unbeaten in their last five matches across all competitions (two wins and three draws) and have not lost at home in 17 straight games (ten wins and seven draws in regulation time).
Huracán are firmly on track to win their group. Last week, they came from behind to defeat Racing Club de Montevideo 3-1 in Uruguay, extending their lead at the top of Group C with ten points—four ahead of CD América. They are almost guaranteed a spot in the playoffs and will secure direct qualification to the Copa Sudamericana round of 16 with a win in this match. El Globo also beat Deportivo Riestra 3-2 at home on Sunday to reach the quarterfinals of the Argentine Torneo Apertura.
Huracan are in great form lately but sooner than later they will have to slow down. They have another important and very tough game next weekend in the league Quarterfinals at Rosario Central and a draw will be enough to advance in the last Copa Sudamericana game, so I think this is one they can afford to lose. They won’t have important striker Walter Mazzanti due to an arm injury and should struggle against this America that has been very strong at home and is more rested and fresh than Huracan.