Independiente Valle vs Libertad

Group H is finely poised as Independiente del Valle host Libertad Asunción — and the stakes are very different for each side. IDV sit second on seven points; a win here would all but seal their last-16 berth. Libertad have zero points from four matches and face the very real prospect of finishing the group stage without a single point. The Ecuadorians arrive in fine form: eight wins in their last ten, capped by a 3-2 away victory over Libertad just three weeks ago. Carlos González has been lethal with five Copa goals, and Djorkaeff Reasco adds pace and width on the flanks to keep opposing defences honest. The visitors will be without Hugo Fernández and Alexis Duarte, both sidelined with ligament tears that strip Libertad of key defensive and attacking cover. Lorenzo Melgarejo remains their main creative outlet, but the Paraguayans' away record — just three wins in ten trips — makes optimism hard to justify. Playing at home in Sangolquí, Del Valle have too much going for them to slip up here. Our prediction: 2-1