LDU Quito vs Defensa y Justicia Prediction & Betting Tips - Copa Sudamericana

Prediction published on 26/09/2023, 14:25  by Kennedy Kechula | Modified on 27/09/2023 at 10:00 in Football Predictions

LDU Quito will host the first leg of their Copa Sudamericana semifinal tie with Defensa y Justicia on Thursday. Defensa will host the return match a week later with the winner of the tie playing either Corinthians or Fortaleza in the final. For the second successive season, these two teams will meet in the Copa Sudamericana. They both faced each other in the group stages last season. LDU picked up four points and are unbeaten against their Argentinian opponents. They will hope to maintain this advantage in their quest for a third continental title. LDU defeated Sao Paulo on penalties after their quarterfinal tie had ended 2-2 on aggregate. Both their knockout ties have needed penalties to decide. Luis Zubeldia’s men have won the first leg match in both the last 16 round and quarterfinals. Los Merengues got back to winning ways last weekend and defeated Orense 1-0 at home in the league.

Defensa y Justicia haven’t lost in their last nine Copa Sudamericana matches. This run began after their matchday one loss away to Millonarios. Julio Vaccari’s men have won eight matches in this impressive stretch including both legs against Ecuador’s Emelec. They will hope to keep this momentum in their return up North. Defensa defeated Botafogo 3-2 on aggregate to advance to the semifinals for the second time in their last three appearances in the competition. El Halcon won the Copa Sudamericana two seasons ago to record their first continental crown. The visitors arrive for this match after seeing a 10-match unbeaten run come to an end last weekend in the league. Defensa were defeated 2-1 away to Central Cordoba.