Delfin SC vs Atletico Nacional Medellin Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Tuesday’s Copa Libertadores action sees Ecuadorians Delfin playing host to Colombians Atletico Nacional. Plenty of action is expected at both ends of the pitch.

Though Delfin lost 2-1 at home to Colo Colo in their last Libertadores outings, El Cetáceo are far from down and out, with the race for second place in Group 2 still a tight one. The hosts do lie bottom of the pack on goal difference but are only 1 point behind second place Bolivar, meaning picking up a win in this fixture is of paramount importance if the side are to harbour hopes of advancing.

Little was expected of Delfin in the competition, with this their first ever continental participation after a surprising second place finish in last season’s Ecuadorian top flight and the fact that they are still in with a shout of advancing represents something of an achievement in itself. Last season’s manager Guillermo Sanguinetti has departed following a fall out with the board, but current boss Fabián Bustos has the team playing well, picking up wins in 4 of the last 6 games, leaving confidence quite high coming into this one.

Meanwhile, Atletico Nacional arrive in a more relaxed state, safe in the knowledge that a point would see them through to the next round and that they have a home game against Colo Colo to fall back on even if they don’t get it.

El Verde have looked very strong in the competition this year under the watch of Jorge Almiron, who lead Lanus to the final last year, and are hoping for a long run in the competition they won back in 2016. The Colombians have won 3 of their 4 fixtures so far in the group, only losing away at altitude against Bolivar, and whilst they have an important domestic play-off match to come at the weekend, for now all focus can only be at the task at hand, which is this trip.

As is the norm when Delfin are involved, we’re expecting an open clash, particularly because they have no choice but to go all out for the win. Both nets have been hit in 5 of the Ecuadorians’ last 6, as well as their last 5 consecutive home matches and that certainly looks the way to play here, at more than reasonable odds.

Man for man, there’s no doubting Nacional are the stronger team, but Delfin are capable of giving them a run for their money with the crowd behind them, coming into the match with 4 wins from the last 5 at home. All in all, we envisage a fairly even match, with lots of chances at both ends, leading to our final score prediction of a 1-1 draw.

Delfin possible starting XI: Ortiz; Perlaza, Luna. Luzarragal, Canga; Pinatares, Godoy, Arismendi, Chicaiza, Patta; Garces.

Atletico NacionaI possible starting XI: Monetti; Palacios, Bocanegra, Henriquez, Delgado; Lenis, Campuzano, Torres, Castellani, Hernandez; Moreno