Despite the defeat at La Paz, Junior returned to Colombia with a result that could serve to define the series in Barranquilla. The sharks team was defeated 2-1 by Bolivar, but the away goal scored by Germán Mera, allows the rojiblancos to get excited about the return and the subsequent ticket for the group stage of the Copa Libertadores.
Although the goal was not reached on Bolivian territory, those led by Luis Amaranto Perea left the key open and, in the heat of Barranquilla, will define the series on Thursday, April 15. Here, at FUTBOLRED, we analyze the game from the first stage and the aspects that the shark team has to correct in order to qualify.
Height: Play at 3,640 meters height is not easy for any club on the continent, therefore, 2-1 against did not end up being such a bad result to define the key in Barranquilla, given the process of the match.
In Bolivia, the sharks team came out with a line of four in the background, five flyers and a striker (4-1-4-1), in order to strengthen their defense and not provide space for opposing games, however that in different sections he managed to control Bolivar’s offensive, Junior was saved from losing by two or more goals, due to the excellent performance of Sebastián Viera, because the blue team came clearly on different occasions (7 shots on goal) and it was not correct in definition. In the last minutes of each half, the height took effect, but Junior came out well.
Changes: Amaranto Perea wasn’t in a hurry to leave the field as he was substituted for Amaranto Perea after 75 minutes. Fabián Sambueza, Luis González and Juan David Rodríguez came in to replace him. At Barranquilla, with a more offensive approach, Perea will have to move his chips better, because the rojiblanco team is forced to win.
Result: With 2-1 against, Junior will define the series on Thursday, April 15, at his stadium, Matropolitano. With the goal away, the shark team must score at least one goal to qualify (keeping the goal at zero).
Otherwise, the Barranquilla team can draw – any result, except 0-0 – to get the ticket for the group stage. If Bolivar scores a goal, Junior must score more than two goals to qualify directly. You have to win with authority, because in return the climate factor will be in your favor.