Rionegro Aguilas vs Santa Fe Prediction: Competition Between the Two Colombian Giants

In the upcoming fixture of the Copa Sudamericana, Rionegro Aguilas will take on Santa Fe at the Estadio Atanasio Girardot in Colombia. In order to qualify for the group stages, the two Colombian counterparts will invest themselves fully in the upcoming matchup. Rionegro Aguilas and Santa Fe have played against each other on several occasions. The last time these two sides played against each other, the match ended in a draw (2-2). The two are yet to face-off each other in Categoria A. 

Going in the matchup, Independiente Medellin is coming off a defeat against Rionegro Aguilas (3-0) in which Rionegro did secure a possession of 63% but was unable to score a single goal. With three wins and a draw against in the last 5 matches played, Rionegro has performed quite well in the Categoria A, however, the recent blow against Medellin has dented Rionegro Aguilas. With a goal scoring average of 1.6 goals per game, Rionegro is likely to score at least a goal or two without any hassle. Against Rionegro, Santa Fe averages 1.43 goals per game, which is quite reasonable in head-to-heads. Talking about the head-to-head statistics, Rionegro Aguilas has scored only 27 goals against Santa Fe in 28 matches, averaging 0.96 goals per game.

Going in the matchup, Santa Fe is coming off a close defeat against Envigado FC (3-2). In the last game, Julian Millan and Christian Marrugo scored goals and leveled the scoreline until the 84th minute of play. With 46% possession and 6 shots on target, Santa Fe tried its best to strike and play aggressively. With the likes of Sambueza, Torres, and Rodallega in the lineup, Santa Fe is likely to score a goal at least. Against Rionegro, Santa Fe averages 1.43 goals per game, which is quite reasonable in head-to-heads.

In the last five matches played between the two Colombian sides, Rionegro has managed to win just a match against Santa Fe. Moreover, Santa Fe averages better in head-to-head matchup against Rionegro, making the upcoming contest an interesting one to predict. Considering the recent defeats for the two teams, I am backing Rionegro to recover from the previous blow and win the match despite all past records. The match total is likely to be under 2.5 goals and both sides to start defensively.

• Rionegro Aguilas to Win for 2.50
• Both Teams to Score - No for 1.72
• Total Under 2.5 for 1.52