Two games will determine the winner but one player could make all the difference.
A quick look at some of the confrontations in tonight’s clash that could affect the outcome of the game.
Hernan Barcos vs Marcelo Gonzalez
Barcos is the main danger man for the Ecuadorians. A towering and imposing striker, expect every Liga attack to pass through him. He is comfortable with the ball at his feet but is also adept in playing as a target man. He has seven goals so far in the tournament but he will lack a height advantage when playing next to Marcos Gonzalez. It is important that Gonzalez sticks close to the Argentine and does not allow him to bring others around him into the play, especially his dangerous strike partner Claudio Bieler. They will certainly have their hands full but playing at altitude, with the away goals rule not in effect in the tie, the Chileans cannot afford to suffer a heavy first leg loss.
Ezequiel Gonzalez vs Marcelo Diaz
Gonzalez is likely to be deployed as the link between Liga’s attack and defence. The one-time Fluminense man is not a goal scorer, but he will endeavour to open opportunities for his team-mates. This is a similar role of Marcelo Diaz though he often operates from a deeper position. He will no doubt look to nullify the Argentine’s threat when without possession and to then use the ball well to launch attacks for his side.
Neicer Reasco vs Francisco Castro
The veteran Ecuadorian showed that he still has pace to contribute to the Liga attack when he set up Barcos for the only goal in the 1-0 second leg victory away at Velez Sarsfield. He will need to be careful when attacking down the right as the youthful Francisco Castro of the U will be looking to exploit any hole the Ecuadorian leaves. The experience of Reasco should make him more reserved but if Castro is asked to track back with Liga on the front foot, it could be a potential weak spot as Castro is more of a winger and will not enjoy his defensive duties. However, if Reasco continues to bomb forward unnecessarily then Castro could just as easily expose him.
Eduardo Vargas vs Diego Calderon
The 22-year-old is the top goal scorer in the competition with eight goals. On the ball he is similar to Carlos Tevez with his powerful dribble. He is a direct striker who the Liga defence will need to keep more than an eye on. Playing on the left side of the back three it is likely that Calderon will be dealing with Vargas for most of the night. We have seen throughout the tournament how quickly the U can move the ball around the pitch and into the danger area and Calderon will need to play at his best to ensure Vargas does not evade him. If he does then the U could grab an important goal. With away goals not in effect during the tie, the Chileans will hope to keep a respectable score line for the second leg.
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Tags: Claudio Bieler, Copa Sudamericana, Eduardo Vargas, Francisco Castro, Hernán Barcos
