For Unión, the draw feels like a win, they go top and secure a playoff spot | OneFootball

Unión, riding high after two consecutive wins, faced a crucial match for playoff qualification this Saturday against Barracas Central in Santa Fe for matchday 15 of the Clausura. Tate was not sharp and drew 0-0, sealing their qualification for the playoffs for the first time in their history.

The first half played by Unión and Barracas Central was truly poor, to the point that the goals were unnecessary. Both Matias Tagliamonte and Marcelo Miño were mere spectators, as the match was grotesque, full of struggle and devoid of play.

Unión tried to create danger through the partnership on the right between Lautaro Vargas and Julián Palacios, but they lacked finishing. The crosses ended up being cleared by the defensive block of Guapo, who defended with many players and a line of five defenders. Unión’s forwards were well controlled, and moreover, Marcelo Estigarribia appeared far too static, while Agustín Colazo was the one who tried the most.

This time, Mateo Del Blanco was not influential, being too contained, and Nicolás Palavecino made more mistakes than good plays. In midfield, Mauro Pittón had a tidy first half, but not so for Mauricio Martínez, who struggled to make his good touch count, as Barracas constantly tried to disrupt play and succeeded.

Unión was never able to inject rhythm into the match, once again showing how much they struggle when the opponent sits back. As a result, they lacked surprise and ended up repeating crosses that were easily neutralized by the visitors. From midfield back, Unión did not suffer, looked organized, and the center-backs prevailed over Bruera, who was the only reference in the box. The 0-0 reflected what was a very poor first half between a team that tried but never found a way, and another that played their game by waiting and slowing down the play.

The second half between Unión and Barracas Central

The start of the second half was similar to the first, although with a bit more pace. Barracas did everything possible to break up the play and had the complicity of Darío Herrera, who allowed and endorsed everything. Tate controlled the ball but lacked depth, at times relying too much on long balls that were easily dealt with by the visiting defense.

In that context, Guapo was the one benefitting, playing their game and not suffering any scares. The match was constantly interrupted, which was detrimental to Unión. Only in the 23rd minute did Leonardo Madelón make a move, bringing on three substitutes at once: Cristian Tarragona, Augusto Solari, and Franco Fragapane for Estigarribia, Palacios, and Palavecino.

Seconds later, Solari, with his first touch, shot from mid-range and the ball crashed against the right post of Barracas’ goal. It was the clearest chance for Unión and the match to open the scoring.

At the 31st minute, Tate threatened again, with a cross from Mateo Del Blanco that Solari received inside the box, controlled with his chest, and shot at goal. Rodrigo Insúa made a crucial block to send the ball out for a corner. In the 35th minute, Unión almost scored after Mauro Pittón struck with his left from outside the box and Miño flew to tip the ball out for a corner.

At that stage, Unión deserved to be winning, as they had improved in the second half and the substitutions had brought new energy. In the final minutes, Barracas nearly surprised with a corner kick that Valentín Fascendini cleared. There was no time for more, except for a wayward shot from Insúa. The match fizzled out in an atmosphere of utter mediocrity. A draw that suits both teams, in a match that will be quickly forgotten. For Unión, the point is valuable considering the opponent and everything that comes with playing against Barracas Central, as well as earning seven points from the last nine.

Hence the final applause from the fans, recognizing the team's effort that leaves them top of Zone A, with 24 points, and qualified for the playoffs.

Lineups for Unión and Barracas Central

Unión: Matías Tagliamonte; Lautaro Vargas, Maizon Rodríguez, Valentín Fascendini, and Mateo Del Blanco; Nicolás Palavecino, Mauricio Martínez, Mauro Pittón, Julián Palacios; Agustín Colazo, and Marcelo Estigarribia. Coach: Leonardo Madelón.

Barracas Central: Marcelo Miño; Rafael Barrios, Nicolás Capraro, Fernando Tobio, Yonathan Rak, and Rodrigo Insúa; Dardo Miloc, Iván Tapia, and Siro Rosane; Javier Ruiz, and Facundo Bruera. Coach: Rubén Darío Insúa.

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