Independiente del Valle is gearing up for a significant moment as they prepare to compete in another international semifinal. Claudio Spinelli, the standout player of the season, emphasized the importance of performing impeccably at home. “The team is calm; we know what we need to do. It’s different facing Mineiro than Once Caldas, and this time we may not be able to afford any mistakes. We realize that the crucial match, or 70% of our qualification, takes place tomorrow,” stated the forward.
During a press conference on Monday, Spinelli spoke about his feelings following recovery from a muscle injury and how he is approaching the upcoming match against Atlético Mineiro. “I feel good and really eager to face them and put on a solid performance at home. Personally, I have fully recovered, and the match against Orense was really beneficial for me. I believe it will be a match with limited space for both teams. We have to capitalize on our home advantage and the altitude, as the return match will be very different,” he shared.
Spinelli predicts a game that will require precision and cautioned that the opponent could face dire consequences if they become overconfident. “We haven’t planned anything yet; we usually finalize strategies on the last day. These are tactical elements that have worked for us in previous matches. I think the same can be said for Once Caldas, who put all their eggs in one basket with the cup being their only objective. That worked in our favor, as they struggled when playing away and we were able to take advantage of that,” he concluded.
Independiente del Valle’s preparation and strategic focus highlight their determination and adaptability, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling semifinal clash. Fans and supporters alike are hopeful that the team will harness their home advantage to secure a favorable result.