Unión host Riestra, needing a win to stay in the 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 present 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 the entire second 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 by Cristian Tarragona — who scored twice — helped restore some confidence and halt the negative momentum.

However, the challenge now is to carry that response into the Apertura Tournament, where the demands are greater and the margin for error shrinks with each matchday.

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 side has gone eleven matches without a win and is coming off a draw against San Lorenzo, still unable to climb out of its footballing slump.

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

The 15 de Abril, a key stage

The match will be played this Friday from 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 just 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

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