Madelón’s side eye repeat of 1998 heroics v Independiente | OneFootball

The national football schedule suffered an unexpected change due to the strike called by the AFA, a measure that led to the total suspension of activity in all categories. In this context of forced pause, Unión already has its sights set on its next challenge: a high-risk visit to Independiente. This clash, framed in the final stretch of the Apertura Tournament, presents itself as a direct and vital confrontation for the ambitions of the team led by Leonardo Madelón. Currently, the “Tatengue” holds third place in Zone A with 14 points, just one point ahead of the “Rojo”, who is lurking in fourth place with 13.

Although the match is scheduled for next Tuesday at 7:45 p.m., the outlook regarding the starting lineup seems clear. Madelón is not expected to make changes to the starting eleven, betting on the continuity of a team that is on a positive streak. After a tournament start with ups and downs, the team managed to straighten its course by stringing together three consecutive wins against Aldosivi, Sarmiento, and Instituto, adding a solidity they will look to confirm against the “King of Cups.”

However, the challenge for Unión goes beyond the strictly tactical, as they will have to face an overwhelming historical weight at the Estadio Libertadores de América – Ricardo Enrique Bochini. The recent record in Avellaneda has not favored the Santa Fe club: the last time the “Rojiblanco” managed to leave that venue victorious was 28 years ago, at the end of the last century.

That last celebration dates back to November 6, 1998, on matchday 14 of the Apertura Tournament. On that day, played at the old “Doble Visera,” the team then managed by Mario Nicasio Zanabria won 1-0 thanks to a goal by Martín Perezlindo. The team that broke the streak for the last time lined up as follows: Cavallero; Donnet, Trotta, Biaggioni, Moner; Bourdier, Vera, Olivera, Cabrol; Perezlindo and Gigena.

With the momentum of its three consecutive victories and a present that positions it as a contender in the standings, the team from Avenida will try to make this Tuesday the day when history finally turns around. The mission is clear: maintain their upward performance and conquer a venue that, for almost three decades, has proven impregnable.

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