The 2017 Copa Sudamericana has reached the second-round stage and clubs are looking to join the likes of Corinthians, Fluminese and Santa Fe in the final stages of the competition. The Copa Sudamericana is the Europa League of South American football. The winner of the tournament not only gets the trophy but wins a place in the Copa Libertadores for next season. The winning team will also play in the 2018 Recopa Sudamericana and the 2018 Suruga Bank Championship.
Independiente Medellin of Colombia have never been beyond the quarter-final stage of the Copa Sudamericana, a position they achieved last season.
Racing Club of Argentina have won this tournament once but their victory came back in 1988 and was the last time they won an international title.
Independiente Medellin Form
The Colombian team are up against it in this tie, having lost the first leg 3-1 in Argentina. They must score at least 2 goals and hope Racing Club fail to find the back of the net or win by 3 clear goals.
Form has been mixed for Independiente Medellin of late and although they are unbeaten in their last 5 games, they have won only 2 of them.
However, home form shows a different story and Independiente Medellin have won 3 of their last 5 home matches, drawing the other 2 games 1-1. Unfortunately, only 1 of their last 12 home results would be enough to see them win this tie.
Racing Club Form
While Independiente Medellin have been busy with competitive fixtures since the first leg, Racing Club have played just 1 friendly game which they lost 1-0 to Defensa y Justica.
However, their competitive form is good and Racing Club are undefeated in their last 7 games, winning 5 and drawing 2. They have won their last 5 matches, scoring 10 goals in the process.
Away form has picked up of late and Racing Club have won their last 2 away games, scoring 6 goals. Looking back a little further, Racing Club have lost 3 of their last 6 games and have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 9.
Team News
Independiente Medellin are expected to line up in a 3-5-2 formation, with Edison Colorado and Valentin Viola leading the attack. The back three is likely to consist of Hernan Pertuz, Andres Mosquera and Juan Saiz.
Racing Club like to adopt a 4-4-2 formation and Luciano Aued and Diego Gonzalez will operate in the centre of midfield. Lautardo Martinez and Pablo Cuadra are expected to start up-front.
Top Betting Tips
Independiente Medellin have played plenty of competitive football since the first leg whereas Racing Club have not played a single meaningful match. This hands the advantage to Independiente Medellin, especially at home and they can be backed at 11/10 with Ladbrokes to win the match.
However, despite remaining undefeated in their previous 5 home games, Independiente Medellin have conceded in each of them. Independiente Medellin to win and both teams to score is 10/3 at William Hill.
If both teams are to score, Independiente Medellin would need to score at least 3 goals if not more to progress in the competition. This seems unlikely against Racing Club and you can back the Argentine team to qualify for the next round at 19/100 with Ladbrokes.