Feb 9, 2013

LDU Loja - Barcelona

Ecuador Serie A, Primera Etapa

Barcelona started this season in a dissapointing fashion, failing to win either of their 2 matches, despite some modest opposition like Manta and Quevedo. They appear to be struggling to reach the opposition's are, and are failing to put pressure and create chances. They did have some resting time, and I'm sure coach Costas worked on those areas, but some important absences tonight won't make their job any easier. Defenders Paredes and Erazo have played with the national team on Wednsday, and due to some airline problems they will only get to the club today, so they are ruled out. Same goes for goalkeeper Banguera. Furthermore, midfielder Damian Diaz is recovering from an injury, while forward Castillejos and midfielder Olmedo have not been called-up for this match. That gives us a list of 6 unavailable players, and at least 4 of them are key players in the squad. Loja won't have any important absences, and even though they also had a rough start of the season (2-2 draw at home with Deportivo Quito, and a 1-2 loss at Independiente), I'm confident they will step up their game eventually. And this would be the perfect chance, against a damaged Barcelona. GL!

Loja DNB @ 1.92, 4/10
Result: 2-1, WON