Fluminense vs LDU Quito Prediction: The great Recopa Sudamericana final!

A decade and a half have passed, and the fans of these two clubs still remember. The memories of the Ecuadorian club are more beautiful because LDU Quito got Fluminense in the Copa Libertadores. In this way, they entered the history books of the Green Continent, only to win the Copa Sudamericana trophy just one year later against the same rival. They are well on halfway to “rob” Fluminense for the third time. “Dinizismo” has charmed the world, it is different from everything seen. At least in the era of modern football, because there is not too much room for maneuvering, exhibitions, and jumping out of the template. All that doesn't exist with Fluminense's tactic, however, this atypical style of football doesn't always win. The giant from Rio de Janeiro capitulated in Quito, they have a minimal deficit in the two-match for the Recopa Sudamericana trophy, and they will have to play much better in the rematch in Brazil if they want this trophy. The match will be played in legendary stadium Maracana, and it’s a huge advantage for Fluminense.

Form: LLWDW

Fluminense had the possession, passing the ball until exhaustion in the last line, sometimes struggling to take it out. The game was barren, they didn't even create great chances. They often lost the ball under pressure and had to defend in the dangerous zone. It is not that they are not used to it, there have been such situations, however, now they have been outwitted by a team that has not played a competitive game in the new year yet. In the domestic championship, after 10 matches Fluminense are in 2nd place with 21 points, 6 wins, 3 draws, and a defeat. They lost against Flamengo last weekend, but it was expected as they are focused on this match and this trophy.

Form: WWDDW

The manager of LDU Quito Josep Alcacer, will not be able to coordinate the team from the sideline because he does not have the necessary CONMEBOL license. The person on the bench will be Adrian Gabarini, the team's former goalkeeper, who retired and is one of the assistants. Of the team that won the previous edition of the Copa Sudamericana in 2023, the absence of Paolo Guerrero, who left the club, is felt the most. The only game this year for the team from Quito, was a friendly match against Universidad Catolica at the Rodrigo Paz Delgado stadium, from which the Blancos emerged as winners with a score of 2:0. Meanwhile, LDU haven't lost since September of last year, going on an incredible run of 15 matches without a loss.

This year's edition of Recopa Sudamericana will be the 32nd in a row, since its establishment in 1989 (it was not held from 1999 to 2002). One of the finalists is the Copa Libertadores champion, Fluminense, who won the tournament after beating Boca Juniors 2:1 in the final at the Maracana. It was the first title on the continental stage for the Tricolors. The second finalist is LDU Quito, who won the Copa Sudamericana, in the final they defeated Fortaleza. It was the second title for the Ecuadorians in that tournament, and the fifth on the South American scene. Both clubs are great continental rivals and this final will achieve a historic feat in South America. Namely, they will face for the 3rd time in the finals which is the most frequent in the history of South American football: Copa Libertadores 2008, Copa Sudamericana 2009, and now Recopa Sudamericana 2024. In the first match, the home field was a huge advantage for LDU Quito, but now in Brazil, Fluminense are a big favorite, they are in better form, and I believe that they will win this trophy in front of their fans in this legendary stadium.