Feb 1, 2013

Cesar Vallejo - Deportes Tolima

Copa Libertadores, Preliminary Round

This will be the last match of the preliminary round of the Copa Libertadores, and only after it will be over will we know how all the groups will look like. And despite some strange odds movements, I still see Tolima as the favorites here. They are a solid team (traditionally, Colombian teams are better than Peruvian ones) and should have plenty of international experience, unlike Cesar Vallejo, who are making their international debut. In the first round, Tolima dominated the match, had control of the ball and created several chances to score. However, some heroic defending from Cesar Vallejo's defenders and goalkeeper limited the score to just 1-0 for the Colombians. Now it should be a different match, as the Peruvians need to attack and try to score. Tolima also have quite a solid defense, so we should be on the lookout for some deadly counter attacks. Quality and experience are on the visitors side, and with the current odds we should have a good bet here. GL!

Tolima DNB @ 2.05, 4/10
Result: 1-1, VOID

Jan 31, 2013

Barcelona - Manta

Ecuador Serie A, Primera Etapa

Slightly different mood for these two teams. Reigning champions Barcelona had a rough start against newly promoted Deportivo Quevedo, after a rather poor match, which they were still able to dominate. A few changes are expected for today, and even though they should employ once again a formation with 4 defenders (something they are not really used to, as they always prefer a defensive line with 3 men), their offensive system shouldn't suffer (just one striker is expected to play, but he will be backed-up by 3 offensive midfielders). We know Barcelona's offensive prowess from last season, and I don't expect that too change too much. Manta won their first match, and have done so in style, beating Independiente by 3-1. Now of course, Independiente is not at the same level with Barcelona, but Manta's style of play was encouraging, and hopefully, they can transfer it into this match as well. Anyway, Barcelona should be leading the match here, and they should be wounded and thirsty for blood. I was expecting the line to be set at 2.5, therefore, this line proves to have some value. GL!

over 2.25 goals @ 1.91, 4/10
Result: 0-0, LOST

Jan 30, 2013

U Catolica - Emelec

Ecuador Serie A, Primera Etapa

The first round of the Ecuadorian Serie A has passed, and hopefully, now we have a pretty clear image of the teams. Newly-promoted U Catolica made a decent performance, despite losing to LDU 1-2. They might have gotten something more from that match, as LDU was fielding several reserve players, but it wasn't to be. Even so, they showed some nice football, with plenty of offensive moves, and they will just need to work on their finishing skills. Emelec made a perfect start of the season, beating Macara by 3-0, showing good football and offensive efficiency. And they got us used to that style of play, and as they are usually a team that tries to score one more than their opponents. The line-up shouldn't change for tonight, and they are of course slight favorites in this match, even though Catolica for sure won't roll over. If both teams keep the same style of play as in the first round, this bet should be a lock. GL!

over 2.25 goals @ 1.85, 4/10
Result: 0-4, WON