In the early hours of Thursday morning, Ecuadorian side Independiente del Vall host Brazilian outfit Red Bull Bragantino in the last 16 of the 2021 Copa Sudamericana.
With 14 games behind them this season, Independiente currently sit third in Ecuador’s LigaPro – five points behind first-place Emelec.
Meanwhile, Red Bull Bragantino find themselves second in the Brazilian Serie A standings – two points shy of league-leaders Palmeiras.
Independiente started the campaign in the Copa Libertadores before dropping down into the Copa Sudamericana.
The Ecuadorians only managed to win one of their six Libertadores group games, finishing third in Group A – four points behind second-place Defensa y Justicia and ten points behind first-place Palmeiras.
Having recorded one draw and two losses in their final three Libertadores group games, Independiente del Valle have only managed to win two of their previous eight matches in all competitions.
In fact, they head into this clash on a four-game winless run after registering two draws and two defeats in their last four outings.
Independiente’s previous two games have produced a combined total of 13 goals (6.5 goals per game), while 13 of their last 17 have dished up over 2.5 goals.
On the flip side, Red Bull Bragantino won four of their six Sudamericana group games to finish two points clear at the top of Group G.
The Brazilians only managed to win one of their opening three games before finishing the group stage with three consecutive victories.
Remarkably, Bragantino head into this clash on an 11-match unbeaten streak in all competitions (six wins, five draws).
In fact, they have only lost one of their previous 15 games in all competitions, underlining their impressive start to the 2021 season.
RB Bragantino have yet to taste defeat in Brazil’s Serie A this term, securing six wins and five draws along the way.
Having netted 22 goals in 11 league matches (two goals per game), Bragantino are currently the highest scorers in Serie A, too.
Head-to-head: This will be the first-ever meeting between Independiente del Valle and Red Bull Bragantino, meaning there are no previous encounters to assess.
Team news: Independiente have two players on the treatment table at the moment – Jose Maria Carrasco (centre-back) and Beder Caicedo (left-back).
Red Bull Bragantino have no injury worries ahead of their trip to Ecuador, giving them momentum for the first leg.
Although Bragantino head into this clash in good form, Independiente look set to make full use of their home advantage in the first leg.
Forebet predicts that Independiente del Valle with score over 2.5 goals while keeping a clean sheet on their way to dispatching Red Bull Bragantino.