Independiente del Valle vs Atlético Mineiro: Galo to approach play-offs

Ecuador's Independiente del Valle will face Brazil's Atlético Mineiro in round 3 of the Copa Libertadores group stage. The two leaders of Group D are to face off, and the team that wins on Wednesday will eventually top the group standings.

Independiente del Valle started the group stage of Copa Libertadores with an away victory over America Mineiro and continued with a home draw against Tolima. After two rounds played, the future home team has 4 points and a goal difference of 4-2, which allows the team to lead Group D. After tying the score with Tolima, Independiente del Valle played three home matches, losing to Universidad Católica del Ecuador and beating Deportivo Cuenca and Delfin. In the national championship standings, Independiente del Valle is fifth with an asset of 17 points and five points behind leading Barcelona.

Atlético Mineiro somewhat surprised in the last round of the Brazilian championship by drawing with Coritiba 2-2 at home. Before that, Galo knocked out the Brasiliense out of Copa do Brasil play-offs, beat Atletico Paranaense 1-0 away. In the national championship, Atletico Mineiro is second in the table after Santos. In Copa Libertadores, Galo are second behind Independiente, ahead of Tolima and América, thanks to a win over Tolima and a draw with América. Atlético Mineiro's goal difference is 3-1, so far the Brazilian champions are fairly tied in Copa Libertadores.

The rivals met twice in the 2016 Copa Libertadores. The teams exchanged home victories in the group stage: 1-0 in Brazil and 3-2 in Ecuador. Probably, it is because of such statistics that bookmakers consider the Ecuadorians as slight favorites for the upcoming game.

In this match, we will side primarily with the Brazilian champion. We think the guests are a team of a higher level, which is confirmed by the results. While Atletico Mineiro is a low-scoring team in Copa Libertadores, there is every reason for this trend to continue. As for the outcome, we expect the visitors to score at least one point. The first bet on the upcoming match is X2+TU (3,5) for 1.82 at the line of 22bet.

Leading Brazilian teams are trying to solve issues in the group stage of Copa Libertadores as soon as possible, so they can concentrate on the domestic championship for a while. And also, to give their reserves a chance to prove themselves on the international stage. It is to the point that Atletico Mineiro will try to secure a place in the playoffs as soon as possible, and for that, it is important to beat their direct rival on the road. W2 for 2.40 at the line of Bet365.

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