Atletico Tucuman put up a good fight on their visit to Independiente Medellin, but they ended up losing 1-0, which means they will need to reverse the aggregate score in order to make it to the group phase. On Saturday, the team’s alternative XI drew 2-2 at home with Lanus and they are occupying 14th spot of the Superliga table on 24 points. Atletico is on three winless games in all competitions (one draw and two losses) and have claimed a single victory in their last 11 matches (six stalemates and four defeats). At home, El Decano drew four of the last six, along with one success and one loss.
Andres Ricaurte’s goal gave Independiente Medellin a narrow lead in this tie following the 1-0 home win over Atletico Tucuman. It was their only win in the last four competitive matches (along with three defeats) considering the side lost 3-1 at home in the city derby against Atletico Nacional last Saturday when boss Aldo Bobadilla picked an alternative XI. Independiente Medellin has managed only seven points in the first six rounds of league action. On away turf, they are on five winless games in all competitions, drawing two and losing the last three.
It was a miracle that the 1st leg ended with only one goal and I expect another open game here with Atletico forced to win to advance to the groups’ stage.