Union La Calera kick off their debut Copa Libertadores journey on Thursday at the Estadio Municipal Nicolas Chahuan Nazar when they play host to LDU Quito.
The visitors, on the other hand, are set for a third consecutive appearance in a competition in which they still seek their first-ever title.
Match preview
Union La Calera finished second in the Chilean Primera Division last term to book their place in this year's Copa Libertadores.
Luca Marcogiuseppe's men have started this year's league campaign in good form, unbeaten in four games and in third place on the log.
Their attention now shifts to continental affairs as they hope to make a good impression in their maiden showing among South America's elite teams.
The Cementeros have conceded just two goals in their last four games, and they will be relying on that defensive solidity to lead them to victory.
Like their hosts, LDU Quito also finished in second position last season which gave them safe passage into the group stages of the Copa.
Pablo Repetto's men were beaten in the final of the playoffs by Barcelona on penalties, denying them of their 12th top-flight triumph.
La Bordadora are unbeaten in this year's domestic season so far, although they are five points off Emelec in top spot.
Thursday's visitors were unable to reach consecutive Copa Libertadores quarter-finals as they were knocked out in the round of 16 by Brazilian side Santos last season.
They will now be looking to start the current campaign on a positive note in order to bolster their chances of another deep run into the tournament.
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Team News
Octavio Rivero has scored in each of the hosts' last two home games, and he will be poised to extend that streak even further.
Nicolas Orellana and Jorge Valdivia were both given a rest last time out, and they could return to the starting XI for this one.
Quito's Jhojan Julio has scored five goals in his last 11 Copa Libertadores matches, which is the most of any of his teammates in that time.
Expected to join Julio in attack for the visitors is Cristian Martinez, who is undergoing a dry spell at the moment having not netted in any of his last four outings.
Union La Calera possible starting lineup:
Arias; Oyanedel, Garcia, Vilches, Ramirez; Catellani, Wiemberg, Vargas; Valencia, Vilches, Rivero
LDU Quito possible starting lineup:
Gabbarini; Ayala, Caicedo, Guerra, Perlaza; Alcivar, Villarruel, Arce; Munoz, Quintero, Amarilla
We say: Union La Calera 1-1 LDU Quito
This is a meeting of two teams currently in great form as either side aims to steal a march on the other. We expect a close encounter, and in the end, a share of the spoils.
Top tip
Adepoju Marvellous
Data Analysis
Our analysis of all available data, including recent performances and player stats up until an hour before kickoff, suggested the most likely outcome of this match was a Union La Calera win with a probability of 47.31%. A win for LDU Quito had a probability of 27.21% and a draw had a probability of 25.5%.
The most likely scoreline for a Union La Calera win was 1-0 with a probability of 11.03%. The next most likely scorelines for that outcome were 2-1 (9.29%) and 2-0 (8.46%). The likeliest LDU Quito win was 0-1 (7.91%), while for a drawn scoreline it was 1-1 (12.12%). The actual scoreline of 2-2 was predicted with a 5.1% likelihood.
