Junior (Colombia) vs Union (Argentina)
Junior climbed into the top of the Copa Sudamericana group H table following their 2-0 home success over Oriente Petrolero, making it ten points and leading Union Santa Fe. Therefore, they would advance to the next round with a draw here (unless Fluminense win by a five-goal margin). On Saturday, the team drew 1-1 against Atletico Nacional at home in the first match of the Colombian Torneo Apertura final stage (after finishing in fifth in the round-robin league). Juan Cruz Real’s men lost only once in their last four matches, winning two and drawing one. At home, Junior claimed 18 victories and five stalemates across the last 24, losing only once in the process.
Meanwhile, Union Santa Fe wasted a big chance last week, when they drew 0-0 at home against Fluminense. That result means the team remain second-placed in group H with nine points, one behind Junior. Therefore, they need to win in Barranquilla to advance to the next round. El Tatengue claimed a single victory across their last eight matches in all competitions, along with two draws and five defeats. On the road, Union grabbed a single point from the last 12 available.
Union must win and when they are forced to attack they don’t feel comfortable. A draw could be enough for Junior, but I don’t think they will risk settling for a draw, and will go for the win.