Thursday, March 15, 2007

COPA LIBERTADORES .....


LIGA DEPORTIVA UNIVERSITARIA QUITO- RIVER PLATE


River Plate will be looking to get their Copa Libertadores campaign back on track tonight, after losing at home to Caracas FC last week, in what many observers have called the biggest shock in the cup's 47 year history. Not sure about that, but it was the first time ever, a Venezuelan club had won in Argentina.


River did bounce back at the weekend, with a 2-1 win over domestic rivals Arsenal, but could hardly face a more daunting task tonight.


LDU play in Quito, which at 2850m above sea level, is the second highest capital city in the world and conditions which can leave your lungs burning after 10 minutes. We have discussed the problems of playing at altitude before and the best way to counteract them, or at least reduce the effect. I expect the Argentine side to fly in at the last possible minute and out again immediately afterwards.


However, that is not their only concern, the hosts have VERY passionate supporters, who create an intimidating, hostile atmosphere and the team is not too bad either.


LDU have qualified for the Copa Libertadores every year since 2004 and each time progressed through this, the group stage. At home, as you might expect, they have a wonderful record of 12-1-1 boasting wins over a host of top Brazilian and Argentine clubs, including tonight's opponents, two years ago.


Just do not see the hosts losing and they look a very strong bet with the level ball option, which, for any "newbies" means, money back if the match is drawn.


5 points LDU level ball asian line 1.88.


Good Luck.

No comments: