Despite the defeat in La Paz, Junior returned to Colombia with a result that could determine the series in Barranquilla. The shark team was beaten 2-1 by Bolivar, but Germán Mera’s away goal allows the rojiblancos to get excited about the comeback and subsequent ticket to the group stage of the Copa Libertadores.
Although the goal was not achieved on Bolivian territory, those led by Luis Amaranto Perea left the key open and, in the heat of Barranquilla, will determine the series next Thursday, April 15. Here at FUTBOLRED, we analyze the game in the first leg and the aspects that the Shark team must correct in order to qualify.
Height: Play At 3,640 meters, it’s not easy for any club on the continent, so the 2-1 against was ultimately not such a bad result to set the key in Barranquilla, taking into account the process of the match.
In Bolivia, the shark team came out with a line of four in the background, five kites and an attacker (4-1-4-1), with the aim of strengthening their defense and not leaving room for opposition. the fact that he managed to control Bolivar’s offensive in different sections, Junior was saved from a loss by two or more goals, thanks to the great performance of Sebastián Viera, as the sky-blue team clearly came on several occasions (7 shots on target) and it was not precise in definition. In the last minutes of each half, the height took its toll, but Junior came out well.
Changes: Amaranto Perea was not precise with the substitutions and his team did not respond. Fabián Sambueza, Luis González and Juan David Rodríguez came in to change the face of the team, but it wasn’t like that. In Barranquilla, certainly with a more offensive approach, Perea will have to move his chips better as the rojiblanco team is obliged to win.
Result: With the 2-1 against, Junior will determine the series next Thursday, April 15 in his stadium, the Matropolitano. With the away goal, the shark team must score at least one goal to qualify (keep the goal at zero).
Otherwise, the Barranquilla team can draw – any result except 0-0 – to get the group stage ticket. If Bolivar scores a goal, Junior must score more than two goals to get instant qualification. You have to win with authority because in the return the climatic factor will be in your favor.