In the second leg of the Round of 16 in the 2023 Copa Sudamericana, Defensa y Justicia hosts Emelec at the Juan Carmelo Zerillo Stadium as the two teams clash for a spot in the quarterfinals. The Argentine club will aim to leverage home field to overturn the deficit and secure advancement in South America’s secondary club competition.
The initial 90 minutes left the tie delicately balanced. Defensa y Justicia opened strong and captured a 2-1 victory on the road at the George Capwell Stadium, with Nicolas Fernandez and Gaston Togni delivering late goals in the 87th and 91st minutes. Emelec answered through Bryan Karabali, whose strike kept the contest alive and sets up a tense return leg in Argentina. The result means the Ecuadorians must win by at least one goal without conceding more than once to force extra time, or claim a two-goal triumph to reach the next stage outright.
Copa Sudamericana 2023: kickoff dates, broadcasting options, and match calendar are part of the season’s conversations as fan interest climbs across Argentina and Ecuador. This matchup showcases a classic clash between a disciplined home team and a visiting side eager to prove its offensive resolve on foreign soil, underscoring the unpredictable nature of continental knockout football.
DEFENSE AND JUSTICE VS EMELEC: DATE AND TIME OF THE START
The second leg is set to determine who advances to the next round, with kickoff moments anticipated to create a fervent atmosphere at the Zerillo Stadium. Both squads arrive with tactical plans that emphasize balance and counterattacking potential, heightening the anticipation for a decisive 90-plus minutes under the Argentine sky.
HOW TO SEE DEFENSE AND JUSTICE VERSUS EMELEC ONLINE: CHANNELS AND TRANSMISSIONS
Viewership details consider regional availability and rights across Canada and the United States, with options that include national broadcasters and streaming services offering live coverage, real-time statistics, and post-match analysis. Fans are advised to verify local listings for start times and platform accessibility to catch all the action as it unfolds.
HEAD TO HEAD: THE LAST 5 MEETINGS
Historically, the encounters between Defensa y Justicia and Emelec have produced tight, tactical duels with moments of individual brilliance tipping the balance. Both sides bring resilience and a willingness to push for goals late in games, which can influence the tempo and intensity of the return leg. Expect strategic pressing, compact defensive shapes, and sharp transitions that could decide who advances to the next stage.
FORMATIONS
DEFENSE AND JUSTICE
Coaches may opt for a compact, organized back line supported by midfields that prioritize ball retention and quick, vertical plays to unlock the visiting defense. The forward line tends to press high when needed, creating scoring opportunities in the final third while maintaining discipline off the ball to avert counterattacks.
EMELEK
Expect a balanced approach featuring a solid defensive unit backed by midfielders who aim to control rhythm and tempo. The attack typically relies on speed on the wings and through balls that exploit gaps left by a high-pressing opponent, making set-piece moments potentially decisive in a tie of this magnitude.
LEFT OF INTEREST
Notes from recent regional reporting emphasize the importance of pressure management and game awareness in this fixture. Both sides will look to leverage the home crowd, tactical flexibility, and late-game composure to tilt the tie in their favor. The outcome will hinge on execution in critical moments, including finishing chances and preventing sporadic concessions that could alter the standings after 180 minutes of play.