LDU Quito vs Mirassol

Liga de Quito and Mirassol resume their Copa Libertadores round-of-16 tie level at 1-1, a quarter-final spot on the line. Win at the Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado and you go through; another draw sends it to penalties. Quito's altitude has troubled visitors all campaign, and LDU Quito have thrived on it, winning every home match in the group stage, including a 2-0 win over Mirassol earlier in the competition. The hosts arrive sharp after edging Aucas 1-0 and were the better side in the first leg, twice hitting the woodwork. Much of that threat flows through Michael Estrada, though Jose Quintero is out for the season following ACL surgery. Mirassol look far more fragile, winless in five and hammered 5-1 by Flamengo last time out, with Negueba injured and Edson Carioca a fitness doubt. Bruno Santos de Oliveira and Carlos Eduardo carry the visitors' hopes of a crucial away goal. Home advantage and altitude should prove decisive. Our prediction: 2-1