Unión's goalkeeping under debate: Matías Mansilla's troubled form | OneFootball

Club Atlético Unión is going through a critical moment across the board, but the goalkeeping situation is starting to become an even bigger problem. Matías Mansilla, who arrived at the explicit request of Leonardo Madelón after they worked together at Central Córdoba, has not been able to provide the sense of security that a defense full of young players needs. His performances raise doubts week after week, and the match against San Lorenzo once again put him under scrutiny.

Repeated insecurity in aerial play

The goalkeeper’s shortcomings are not limited to one isolated mistake. Mansilla shows serious difficulties with aerial balls, especially when coming out to claim crosses. This affects the back line, which needs a strong presence to organize and provide calm. Instead of being a solution in a team that already defends poorly and leaves too many spaces, every ball sent into Unión’s box becomes a situation of total uncertainty.

San Lorenzo’s goal and responsibility at the near post

The play that decided the match against El Ciclón once again exposed the goalkeeper. Although the move began with a poor headed clearance by Marcelo Estigarribia, Auzmendi’s finish went in at the near post, an area that is theoretically entirely the goalkeeper’s responsibility. The goal left a very negative impression, made worse by the fact that Unión barely created any danger in attack, meaning any defensive mistake costs twice as much.

Few alternatives on the bench

Mansilla’s poor form has opened the debate over whether he should keep his place, although Madelón has few replacement options. Behind him is Lucas Meuli, a promising youngster but with no minutes in the First Division. The other option is Federico Gomes Gerth, who arrived to compete for the spot but is in the final stage of recovery from a torn ACL. Therefore, the immediate room for maneuver is limited.

Statistics and a future under review

Despite the criticism, Mansilla has seen plenty of action in 2026, making 16 appearances in the Torneo Apertura, 5 in the Clausura, 2 in the Copa Argentina, and 2 in the Apertura playoffs. However, continuity has not been synonymous with solidity.

At a Unión side where the defense is struggling, the midfield offers little protection, and the attack fails to produce, the lack of reliability in goal deepens the crisis. After the latest defeat, Madelón admitted the need to make changes. If the coach decides to carry out a major overhaul of the team, the goalkeeper position will have to be one of the first areas reviewed in order to try to build certainty from the back.

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