América de Cali hunts dramatic Copa Sudamericana comeback as two-front schedule looms

América de Cali hunts dramatic Copa Sudamericana comeback as two-front schedule looms

América de Cali is tightening up its plans for a season that could hinge on a dramatic comeback abroad after a rocky run of results. Under new coach Gabriel Raimondi, the team started promisingly, delivering solid performances and a sense of freshness despite key absences like Juanfer Quintero and Duván Vergara. But the mood shifted after a string of setbacks.

The good news came with a place in the Copa Sudamericana knockout rounds, following a stylish 2-0 victory over Bahia at home. However, the team’s form deteriorated in recent matches: a defeat to Santa Fe (2-1) at El Campín, followed by a home loss to Deportes Tolima (0-1) and a 1-2 away setback against a determined Fluminense.

Two big tests in 48 hours

With less than the required three days between games and no time to delay, América faced Pereira with a rotated squad. The weekend clash could not be staged due to limited police support in Pereira during the Harvest Festival in Risaralda’s capital.

Meanwhile, América moved on from the first leg in Sudamericana. Cristian Barrios’ late goal offered a glimmer of hope, but only if the “Escarlata” can overturn the tie at the Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro. For now, the immediate challenge was Pereira, a club that has shown it can be dangerous at home but remains unpredictable.

América, eyeing Pereira

As the squad awaited the possible additions of Éder Álvarez Balanta, José Cavadía, Joel Graterol and Rodrigo Holgado, América leaned on its depth to push through in the league. They have collected 4 points from four games, leaving them near the bottom of the table in 17th place.

On Wednesday morning, after a recovery session, the medical staff evaluated which players would be fit to travel to Pereira for concentration ahead of the match. The team then headed to Pereira, where long hours and intense planning characterized Raimondi’s leadership as the club prepared to fight on two fronts.

“We have two very important matches coming up, and we’ll approach them in the best possible way. Most of the players who weren’t involved today won’t be available on Thursday,” Raimondi said after the Fluminense game.

Road to a miracle in Brazil

After Pereira, América will likely have a recovery period before traveling to Brazil this weekend. The club remains hopeful about medical progress on the latest injuries and aims to have a large portion of the squad available for the trip.

“We’re alive, of course. I don’t think Brazil will be played the same way with them parked in defense. There we can also win… There’s a second half to play. We can win by one or more goals, because Barrios’ goal was more than a glimmer,” Raimondi commented.

Hours will be decisive for América as the team contemplates battle on both fronts. Fluminense looms as a strong favorite in the continental tie, but América’s emblem and resilience carry weight.

What to watch

– Injury and squad depth: The presence or absence of Quintero, Vergara and the potential reinforcements will shape how Raimondi lines up against Pereira and then Fluminense.
– Rotation and stamina: With a tight schedule and travel, which players can sustain performance in back-to-back matches will determine whether América can stay competitive in both competitions.
– Mental edge: After a difficult run, a positive result against Pereira could reignite confidence ahead of the trip to Brazil.

Summary: América de Cali faces a crucial period as it navigates a demanding schedule, aiming to rebound in the league while pressing for a historic result in Brazil. The team will lean on its depth and the leadership of Raimondi as it seeks to turn around a challenging phase with a blend of resilience and urgency.

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