Central Norte host Colón, no away fans, spotlight on Medrán’s return | OneFootball

On the eve of what will be the second matchday of the Primera Nacional, the football atmosphere in Salta is divided between the anticipation for Central Norte's home debut and the strong emotional component surrounding the match next Sunday at 6 PM against Colón. After the initial defeat against San Miguel, the team led by Adrián "Polaco" Bastía is preparing for a duel that not only defines points but also the football direction of a squad that is still being finalized.

One of the central points of the lead-up is the tactical change planned by the coach. As explained by journalist Federico Chilo in conversation with Radio Gol 96.7, "the scheme will change; he has always publicly stated that he adjusts depending on the opponents and circumstances, and it is already clear that he will switch from the five-man line used in the debut to a four-man line." This decision aims to give more aggressiveness to a team that, in the words of the Salta journalist, faithfully reflects the DNA of its coach: "It's a Central quite like Bastía; a rough and quite fast-paced team, that is the prevailing hallmark."

Regarding individual names, the defense will present significant changes. Chilo highlighted the return of Maximiliano Padilla, whom he described as "a captain without an armband and the great leader who came from Quilmes," who will lead the defense alongside last-minute reinforcements. "Yesterday, two defenders with experience in the category were added: Agustín Lamosa, coming from San Lorenzo, and Elías Calderón, from Belgrano," detailed the journalist, emphasizing that the club has maintained a policy of betting on "new coaches" and players hungry for glory.

The XI that "Polaco" is preparing

The probable lineup to face the Sabalero includes Vázquez in goal; a defense composed of Rosales, Felicia, Padilla, and Pedro Sáenz; a midfield with Mancuso, Rivero, Fernández, and Bedoya; while in the attack, the fixed player is the youth academy "gem," Taboada. The big question remains his partner, as Costa's injury forces Bastía to choose between Borda or another last-minute option.

The match venue is also news, as the "Cuervo" will leave the spacious Estadio Martearena to move to the Gigante del Norte (Gimnasia y Tiro's field). For Chilo, this change greatly benefits the local fans: "It's the opposite of what is thought, the proximity to the neighborhood is total, and the fans are happy because they can even walk there; moreover, in that stadium, you have the people very close to the pitch, which creates a different kind of pressure." It should be noted that, for security reasons, it has been confirmed that visiting fans will not be allowed entry.

Finally, the match will be marked by the reunion with Ezequiel Medrán, current coach of Colón and a modern hero at Central Norte after the undefeated promotion in 2018. "It will be the first time Medrán returns to face Central, and people have very good memories; surely the management is preparing a recognition plaque for him," anticipated Chilo, highlighting that for Salta, having returned to the Primera Nacional after 37 years is an achievement bearing the mark of the current Sabalero coach, adding a touch of "intrigue" and nostalgia to a match that promises to be a tactical and physical battle.

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