Deportes Magallanes v Always Ready Betting Tips [23 February 2023]

Bolivian club Always Ready heads to San Bernardo to take on Chilean side Deportes Magallanes in the second qualifying round of the Copa Libertadores. Both sides qualified automatically for this round after receiving byes in the first round and the winner will meet up with either Independiente Medellin or El Nacional in the third and final qualifying round. Always Ready enter this fixture off the back of a convincing 4-1 away victory against Petrolero to kick off their Copa Division Profesional campaign with three points. They have also enjoyed an unbeaten start to the Primera Division season, drawing their first match away from home before a resounding 5-0 home win in their second. The positive start to the season means Always Ready have now scored nine goals in their last two matches while also managing two clean sheets over their last three fixtures. 

The home side Deportes Magallanes will hope their form is turning around after a 2-1 away win over Union Espanol for their first victory of the league season. Magallanes had a terrific campaign in 2022 which saw them win their first ever Copa Chile to gain entry into the Copa Libertadores, while also topping the Primera B division to gain promotion to the Chilean top flight. They now face their first test in South America’s premier competition while also still searching for their first home win of the year. Magallanes slumped to a 1-0 victory in their season opener on home soil before responding with a positive 1-1 draw against Union Caldera in their most recent home outing. Magallanes were the more dominant side in that encounter and probably deserved to walk away with the three points. Either way, it’s a positive sign that should carry over into this matchup against their Bolivian opponents.

Bolivian sides have historically struggled when playing away from the altitude advantage that they possess on their home soil. Magallanes have not been in a good overall stretch of form but a solid showing in their last home match combined with their first win of the season in their last outing should act as a catalyst for a win here.  Back the hosts to get the job done and take an aggregate lead to Bolivia. Our Deportes Magallanes vs Always Ready prediction: Magallanes to win