Independiente del Valle, mathematically, can still win this Second Stage of the LigaPro and earn the 2023 title. To do so, they must win the remaining six matches in this part of the tournament.
The first opponent is Guayaquil City, a team they will visit on Sunday, October 22 at 'Chucho' Benitez stadium.
"When we had to play against Guayaquil City, it was always challenging. They have a beautiful style of play. It's a rival we need to be very attentive to," said coach Martín Anselmi ahead of the match.
IDV has a full squad. The coach confirmed that goalkeeper Moisés Ramírez had a minor discomfort after playing for Ecuador in the South American Qualifiers. However, he remains the first choice to start.
The other IDV players who were called up are ready to play, such as Kendry Páez and Jhoanner Chávez, who played both matches with the national team. Also, Joao Ortiz, Jordy Alcívar, Beder Caicedo, and Junior Sornoza, who did not have minutes in the match against Colombia last Tuesday.
IDV currently has 14 points and is very close to the leaders, Barcelona, Delfín, and Técnico Universitario.
Guayaquil City is in the relegation zone and almost condemned to drop to Serie B at the end of the year. They have 6 points out of the 27 they have played and occupy the penultimate position.