Deportivo La Guaira vs Real Garcilaso Predictions

Wednesday’s Copa Libertadores first qualification round, first leg clash sees Venezuelans Deportivo La Guaira going up against Peruvians Real Garcilaso. Plenty of action is expected at both ends of the pitch as each side looks to make a positive start to the tie.

It’s a big night for all connected with Deportivo La Guaira, as Los Naranjas make their Copa Libertadores debut. Only founded in 2008, the side have very little continental pedigree bar two Copa Sudamericana appearances and whilst they’re not expected to make any real waves in the competition, they’ll at least be looking to put in a good showing in this tie.

After finishing runnesr-up in the play-offs of last season’s closing stage, Deportivo are currently one of the stronger outfits in the Venezuelan game. That fact doesn’t really count for much from a continental viewpoint but with plenty of momentum behind them, they’ll arrive for this game confident, particularly as they’ve won 3 of their last 5 home matches.

Meanwhile, Real Garcilaso are the favourites to win the tie over two legs, thanks to the fact the second leg will be played at their high altitude home. Nonetheless, La Maquina Celeste will feel they can do some of the work towards progressing in this trip, up against an opponent with no experience in the competition.

That being said, the Peruvians have been simply horrendous on the road in past Libertadores campaigns, losing 8 of their last 9 games as visitors in the competition. All of those defeats have came against teams with far more pedigree than the hosts, but alongside the fact that Garcilaso finished bottom of their Libertadores group last season, it’s apparent that they are too are hardly a force to be reckoned with at this level.

Ultimately, with 2016 competition winners Atletico Nacional waiting in the next round, neither of these teams are likely to make it through qualification but each will at least fancy their chances in this tie and we expect both to bring attacking game plans as they look to win it. Deportivo have to come out all guns blazing with an almost impossible task awaiting them in the second leg whilst Garcilaso will be looking to assert their superior experience.

All things considered, we find good value in backing both nets being hit. Both teams have scored in 10 of Deportivo’s last 12 home games and with goals having been seen at either end in 5 of Garcilaso’s last 6 fixtures, it’s hard to envisage either side keeping a clean sheet but we do see the hosts using their home advantage to secure a 2-1 lead.