Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
In the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana Round of 16, Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle will face Boca Juniors. The match will take place in Quito on the night of Thursday, July 18th, with the game scheduled to start at 02:30 Central European Time. Experts at Dailysports have provided a prediction for this match.
Independiente del Valle
Independiente has won the Copa Sudamericana twice in the last five years. This season, the team participated in the Copa Libertadores but finished behind San Lorenzo and Palmeiras in the group stage.
On the domestic front, "Los Rayados" are doing exceptionally well. The team is unbeaten in the Ecuadorian Serie A and tops the league table after 15 rounds.
Boca Juniors
The legendary Boca Juniors have not won any trophies for nearly two years. Last season, the team reached the Copa Libertadores final but struggled domestically, finishing only seventh in the league.
Boca Juniors had a tough group stage in the Copa Sudamericana, finishing second behind Brazilian side Fortaleza. However, the Argentine team conceded just one goal in three home matches at La Bombonera.
Interesting facts and head-to-head record
- Independiente del Valle has won their last three matches.
- Boca Juniors have conceded in each of their last nine away matches.
- The teams last met eight years ago in the group stage of the Copa Libertadores, with Boca Juniors losing both encounters.
Independiente del Valle vs Boca Juniors Prediction
The hosts are favorites, but the Argentine side will be aiming for a positive result ahead of their home leg. I predict a total of more than 2 goals in the match.
