Flamengo watch: Del Valle draw, miss outright wins record in Ecuador | OneFootball

Flamengo’s Libertadores opponent, Del Valle drew 2-2 with Universidad Católica (ECU)

Independiente del Valle (ECU) missed the chance to break a record in Ecuadorian football. On Saturday (29), Flamengo’s opponent in the Libertadores could only draw 2-2 with Universidad Católica (ECU) at home in the Ecuadorian Championship.

That is because Del Valle had been on an 11-game winning streak in the Ecuadorian Championship, tied with El Nacional (ECU) of 1976. Therefore, the two teams remain at the top of the local football record table.

AND COUNTING ALL COMPETITIONS?

Including the Copa Libertadores, Copa Ecuador and the Ecuadorian Championship, Del Valle had an impressive 16 straight wins. Before Saturday’s clash (29), Flamengo’s rival’s last non-win came on May 22, when they lost to Libertad (ECU).

HOW DID THE MATCH GO?

With first place in the Ecuadorian Championship qualifying stage already secured, Del Valle are relaxed in the competition. Even so, the team controlled the game. Playing at Estadio Banco Guayaquil, the home side quickly went 2-0 up through goals from Ronald Briones and Juan Riquelme Angulo. However, Católica fought back to equalize with two goals in two minutes, scored by Maurício Alonso and Azarias Londono.

With the result, Independiente del Valle reached 68 points in 27 rounds. They have scored 66 goals and conceded 28. Católica, meanwhile, temporarily move up to second place with 44 points, 47 goals scored and 25 conceded. However, Aucas (ECU) and Maracá (ECU) still have matches to play this round and could overtake the runners-up.

For comparison, the other Ecuadorian team in the Libertadores sits in fifth place. LDU (ECU), Palmeiras’ opponent, have 41 points from 27 matches played. They have scored 27 goals and conceded 22. In other words, despite Del Valle’s impressive campaign, the number of goals they have conceded stands out: it is the worst defense among the top six teams.

WHAT IS THE AUTHOR’S OPINION?

— I don’t know to what extent this failure to break the record can affect Del Valle’s morale, but it was possible to notice some weak points in the team, such as a vulnerable defense. On the other hand, their attack is very good, with quick players who like to shoot from distance. Flamengo need to keep an eye on that, especially at altitude — opined Pedro Paulo Catonho, a journalist for Coluna do Fla.

WHEN DO FLAMENGO AND DEL VALLE FACE EACH OTHER?

Flamengo and Del Valle will face each other on September 10 and 17. The first leg will be at Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa, at Quito’s altitude, 2,850 meters above sea level. The second leg will take place at the Maracanã, both at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time). Whoever advances will face Corinthians or Estudiantes (ARG) in the semifinal.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.