Union vs Lanus
Even though boss Gustavo Munua fielded an alternative XI, Union Santa Fe secured a massive 2-1 away success at Boca Juniors in round five thanks to a penalty netted by Franco Troyansky in the 105th minute. In fact, they lost only one of their last four Liga Profesional games (winning two and drawing one in that spell) to make it seven points and approach the Copa Sudamericana places in the aggregate table. On a sorry note, El Tatengue are on four home defeats in a row in domestic action, having lost to San Lorenzo, Defensa y Justicia, Tigre and River Plate. On Tuesday 28, Union lost 2-0 at Uruguay’s Nacional in the Copa Sudamericana round-of-16.
Lanus put up a good fight on their visit to River Plate last weekend, but they ended up losing 2-1 Â away in an intense match. As a result, El Granate remain on five points after five rounds in the Liga Profesional as a product of one victory, two stalemate and two defeats, which keeps them far away from the fight for a continental ticket. The loss also extended their winless streak on the road to 13 league games (five draws and eight defeats since they beat Argentinos Juniors 1-0 in October). On Thursday 30, Lanus lost 2-1 at Ecuador vs Independiente del Valle in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana round-of-16. Â
Both lost midweek in Copa Sudamericana and must win at home this week, but while Lanus had a long and tiring trip to the altitude of Quito, Ecuador, Union played next door at Uruguay so the visitors are expected to rest more starters here.