Copa Colombia

NEIVA, COLOMBIA – Junior of Barranquilla faces a crucial Copa Colombia clash against Atlético Huila tonight at the Guillermo Plazas Alcid Stadium, aiming to advance from phase 1b after a 2-2 draw in the first leg played at the Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez on July 26, 2023.

The tie leaves the second leg finely poised, with both teams vying for a spot in the next round of Colombia’s premier domestic cup competition. Junior,a historically notable club with eight Primera División titles,is seeking to add a Copa Colombia trophy to its honors. Atlético Huila, currently competing in the primera B, views the Copa Colombia as a vital pathway back to the top flight.

In the initial encounter, José Enamorado and veteran Teófilo Gutiérrez scored for Junior, while Atlético Huila responded with goals from Carlos Sierra and Sebastián Hernández. Junior coach Alfredo Arias expressed post-match frustration with his team’s inability to capitalize on numerous scoring opportunities, specifically citing issues with final-pass decision-making in the attacking third.

“In attack the team must still improve decision making in the last pass. We had a couple of situations in which we wanted to force plays,” Arias stated following the first leg. He also emphasized the need for defensive improvements, acknowledging a potential imbalance between attacking ambition and defensive solidity. “When a team attacks it is when more and better should defend.They are the things we have to correct. We are finding the arc, we are scoring, but they cannot make us so many. It is a matter to correct and it is immediate work,” he added.

Teófilo Gutiérrez, a key figure for Junior and a former Colombian international, echoed the sentiment of proactive play, stating, “We have to go there (Neiva) to look for the game as we do in all squares.” Gutiérrez, 39, brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the Junior squad.

Junior is expected to field a strong starting lineup featuring Mauro Silveira in goal; Jhomier Guerrero, Javier Báez, Jermein Peña, and Yeison Suárez in defense; Guillermo Celis and Didier Moreno in midfield; Jesús Rivas, Yimmi Chará, and Jhon Fredy Salazar in the attacking midfield positions; and Guillermo Paiva leading the line as the lone striker. The match will be played at an altitude of 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) in Neiva, perhaps impacting player endurance.

Atlético Huila will be relying on the experience of former Junior player Sebastián Hernández, now captain of the Opita team, to guide them. Hernández’s familiarity with Junior’s playing style could prove favorable for huila. The Guillermo Plazas Alcid Stadium has a capacity of 27,000 and is expected to be filled with passionate Huila supporters.