Olmedo - Barcelona

Ecuador Serie A, Segunda Etapa

This bet might seem a long-shot at first sight, but I have some strong reasons for it. I know that Olmedo is the worst team in the league, rock bottom at the moment, but after some changes happened in the club last month, they have showed some signs of improvement, and as a proof we have their victories against LDU Quito and Cuenca (I know Quito were in a crisis, and Cuenca is not such a strong team anymore, but for a team that before that had 6 consecutive losses, this is a great improvement). They showed they can play and win, so now they just have to work harder to get out of the relegation zone. Meanwhile, Barcelona won the first stage, and that means they have booked a place in the final. They might also be still euphoric, and could have problems focusing in this first match. But the main reason for the bet is the fact that Barcelona has a long list of absences, most of them being regulars and key players: Erazo (22/2), Saucedo (13/0) and Gruezo (22/1) are all suspended, while Quinonez (11/3), Ayovi (11/3), Ibarra (4/0) and Luguercio (10/1) are injured. Midfielder Damian Diaz (21/1) will also miss this match. Under these circumstances, Barcelona will use a lot of reserves, and on paper, their squad looks quite weak. Olmedo improved recently, and I think they should be capable of taking at least one point here. GL!

Olmedo (+0.5 AH) @ 1.88, 4/10

Result: 1-2, LOST