wikimedia:César Muñoz/Andes
The second country in our look at this years Copa Libertadores 2016 entrants is Ecuador, the only Pacific Coast based country to provide a winner in the competitions history.
Liga de Quito
The team that in recent history have performed far better in intercontinental competitions than at home have shown no sign of bucking this trend at the start of this season. While in Serie A they find themselves winless and bottom, they emphatically beat 2014 champions San Lorenzo 2-0 in the opening game of the Libertadores. Both goals were scored by Diego Morales and the way in which he weaved past the San Lorenzo defence for both goals was reminiscent of fellow countryman Diego Maradona in his pomp.
Morales adds flair and creativity to the attack and alonsigside veteran striker Carlos Tenorio and midfielder Fernando Hidalgo they have enough quality to advance to the latter stages. Realistically they represent the most credible challenge from Ecuador but their success in the competition will be defined by how well they can defend away from home which has often let down their formidable home record.
Key player – Diego Morales
Emelec
Entering the tournament as the champions of Ecuador for a third consecutive time, the team from Guayaquil will be hoping they can improve on last year’s performance when they reached the quarter finals. The start to this season’s campaign highlights their shortfalls, winning comfortably at home but losing comfortably away from home in Mexico to Pumas. Similarly to Liga de Quito, if they are to find any way of advancing beyond the quarter finals then organising themselves better away from home will be crucial. Argentine duo Emanuel Herrera and former Everton man Denis Stracqualursi will provide a target for the creativity of Angel Mena in midfield.
Key player – Angel Mena
Independiente del Valle
Independiente, the club with no major honours in its history have somewhat overachieved in even reaching the group stages after beating Guarani in the qualifying rounds. Their stadium holds around 8,000 people and will not provide the hostility that many Ecuadorian teams are able to use as an advantage in the tournament. They began the tournament with a credible 1-1 draw to Chilean giants Colo-Colo and a defeat away in Brazil to Atlético Mineiro.
Key player – Junior Sornoza
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