LDU Quito and Lanus will trade tackles in the first leg of their Copa Sudamericana round-of-16 fixture on Wednesday. The hosts are coming into the game on the back of a 2-1 comeback victory over Cumbaya in the Ecuadorian Liga Pro at the same venue.
They were behind at the break to Luis Gustavino's 22nd-minute strike. Alex Arce drew the game level in the 61st minute while Lisandro Alzugaray scored the match-winner five minutes later.
Lanus, meanwhile, fell to a 3-1 defeat away to Deportivo Riestra in the Argentine Liga Pro. They were reduced to 10 men following Abel Luciatti's 22nd-minute dismissal. Antony Alonso, Alexander Diaz and Jonathan Herrera scored second-half goals to help Riestra claim all three points.
Granate will turn their focus to the continent, having booked their spot at this stage as Group G winners. Quito, meanwhile, dropped down from the Copa Libertadores and eliminated Always Ready with a 4-3 aggregate win in the playoff round to get here.
The winner of this tie will face either Palestino or Independiente Medellin in the quarterfinals.
LDU Quito vs Lanus Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- The two sides were drawn at this same stage of the 2009 Copa Sudamericana. Quito qualified with a 5-1 aggregate win, winning 4-0 at home and drawing the second leg.
- Four of Lanus' last five games have witnessed goals at both ends and also produced three goals or more.
- Quito have won four of their last five games.
- Lanus' last five games have witnessed more goals scored in the second half than the first.
- Lanus are winless in their last five away games across competitions (three draws).
LDU Quito vs Lanus Prediction
Quito had a disappointing Libertadores campaign, finishing third in a group they had realistic expectations of advancing from. They have won their last four home games on the bounce, including a comfortable three-goal win over Always Ready in the playoff round. Furthermore, La Bordadora are the defending Sudamericana champions and will be hoping to successfully retain their crown.
Lanus' games in recent weeks have been highly entertaining with goals typically guaranteed. Their matches have tended to come alive in second halves, so we expect plenty of late drama.
We are backing the hosts to claim a comfortable win with goals at both ends.
Prediction: LDU Quito 3-1 Lanus
LDU Quito vs Lanus Betting Tips
Tip 1 - LDU Quito to win
Tip 2 - Both teams to score
Tip 3 - Over 2.5 goals
Tip 4 - Highest scoring half: Second half