LDU Quito vs Botafogo Prediction: No team can afford to lose

Botafogo suffered an unexpected defeat at home to Junior de Barranquilla 3-1 on Copa Libertadores Matchday 1. A result that could threaten the Brazilians' qualification for the knockout stage if they fail to pick up points away from home. In Ecuador, Botafogo must at least get a draw in a match that will mark the debut of the Cariocas' new coach, Portuguese Artur Jorge, signed from SC Braga. Playing at Quito's altitude is always tricky for all visitors, so the Glorioso should probably struggle.

The King of Cups lost, somewhat surprisingly, 2-1 in Lima against Universitario. After taking an early lead, the Ecuadorians allowed the home side to recover in the second half. Liga de Quito is the Copa Sudamericana holder and has already won the Copa Libertadores in 2008, so it has aspirations in the competition. After losing the first leg, the Ecuadorian champion needs to get a result against Botafogo and, if possible, take all three points. If Liga de Quito wins, the Brazilians will find themselves in a difficult position in the standings. Both teams know that the final result of this game could determine their future in the Copa Libertadores.

The Lone Star club will go to Quito to bring home points. Artur Jorge, for sure, will instill ambition in his players, as he led Braga in six Champions League matches this year, facing teams such as Real Madrid and Napoli. An extra difficulty for the Brazilians will be to play at an altitude of 2850 meters. Last year, the two teams met in the Copa Sudamericana group stage, and both games ended in a 0-0 draw. Botafogo probably wouldn't mind drawing the game in Quito again.

It's not a decisive game, but it could influence both teams' futures. Whoever loses will have two defeats in two games and be in bottom place in Group D. Both LDU Quito and Botafogo were considered the favorites for the top two places after the draw but must prove it on the pitch. Botafogo has a new coach who can give his players confidence. It's not an easy game to predict, so I'd rather bet on both teams scoring goals. The Ecuadorians and Brazilians didn't show much solidity in defense in the first game.