Unión host Riestra, must win to stay in play-off places | OneFootball

Unión, coming off a very tough defeat against Defensa y Justicia in the Apertura, will host Deportivo Riestra at 5:15 p.m. at the 15 de Abril.

Unión’s current situation changed tone in a matter of days. What seemed like a solid and steadily improving start to the year was shaken after the loss to Defensa y Justicia. In Florencio Varela, Leonardo Madelón’s team showed initiative and territorial control, but lacked finishing power and ended up paying dearly for its lapses, even while playing an entire half with one man less.

The defeat not only ended a positive run of six matches unbeaten, but also narrowed the margin in the standings: today, Unión is keeping a close eye on the qualification zone, with only a two-point lead over the last team currently making the playoffs.

A necessary reaction for Unión

Amid the doubts, the team found a bit of relief in the Copa Argentina. The win over Agropecuario, with a decisive performance from Cristian Tarragona — who scored twice — helped restore some confidence and stop the negative momentum.

However, the challenge now is to carry that response over to the Apertura Tournament, where the demand is greater and the margin for error shrinks with each round.

A rival in crisis

On the other side will be Deportivo Riestra, a team going through a reality completely opposite to its aspirations. Gustavo Benítez’s men have gone eleven matches without a win and are coming off a draw against San Lorenzo, still unable to climb out of their footballing slump.

The outlook becomes even more complex when taking into account what lies ahead: participation in the Copa Sudamericana, where Riestra will share a group with Grêmio, Palestino and Montevideo City Torque. A demanding context for a team that cannot find answers.

The 15 de Abril, a key stage

The match will be played this Friday starting at 5:15 p.m. at the 15 de Abril stadium, with Darío Herrera as referee and live coverage on TNT Sports Premium. For Unión, the objective is clear: be strong at home, reconnect with its best version and take a firm step toward qualification.

More than three points, El Tatengue is putting its stability in the tournament and the chance to reach the decisive stretch with some breathing room on the line.

Probable lineups for Unión and Deportivo Riestra

Unión: Matías Mansilla; Lautaro Vargas, Maizon Rodríguez, Juan Ludueña, Mateo Del Blanco; Julián Palacios, Mauro Pittón, Rafael Profini, Brahian Cuello; Marcelo Estigarribia, Cristian Tarragona. Coach: Leonardo Madelón.

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