Independiente del Valle vs Colon Predictions

Saturday’s Copa Sudamericana final sees Ecuadorians Independiente del Valle and Argentines Colón de Santa Fe going blow for blow with a continental title on the line. Colon arrive as big favourites to claim the trophy and will be looking to take it home with them.

Having seen off Union de Santa Fe, Universidad Catolica, Caracas, Independiente and Corinthians, it’s fair to say relative minnows Independiente del Valle have defied the odds once again and this time they’ll be looking to go one further. Indeed, the side finished runners up of the 2016 Copa Libertadores, suffering defeat to Atletico Nacional; a fate they’ll be desperate to avoid in Paraguay.

Nonetheless, a huge part of Independiente’s success in the competition has been the high altitude advantage they have when playing at home and that’s where the change to a singular match, neutral venue final works against them. The Ecuadorians have won just 1 of their 5 Sudamericana outings played away from home and will also have the backing of very few fans, given they don’t have a big support and it’s a difficult journey for those back home to make.

Colon meanwhile will have no such issues, with Asunción easily accessible from Santa Fe and they will have around 30,000 fans at the game, making up about 75% of the overall attendance. The anticipation for the match has been huge in Sabalero ranks, given this is their first every continental final.

Having seen off Deportivo Municipal, River Plate (URU), Argentinos Juniors, Zulia and Atletico Mineiro, whilst scoring a big average of 1.6 goals a game, Colon have more than earned their place in the final and all that remains is to win it. Stronger than Independiente on paper and with the crowd essentially making it a home game, they just have to hold their nerve.

Ultimately, given some of the far bigger names that took place in the Sudamericana this year, it’s a real surprise that either of these two have made it all this way. Nonetheless, you’d have to say that Colon now appear far more likely winners on Saturday and if they play to their maximum, they have enough to get the job done.

As such, we’re more than happy to back the Argentines with maximum confidence on the full time result line and feel it provides a good way to play as far as the betting is concerned. Independiente’s altitude advantage being taken away is truly a huge factor in assessing this match and we feel that Colon will be able to grind out a 1-0 win to claim glory.