César Farías and Javier Gandolfi have maintained a strong relationship since their time together at Tijuana Xolos from 2013 to 2014, where both shared the pitch as captain and player, respectively. As they prepare for their upcoming match between Junior and Nacional, their friendship takes a backseat for the duration of the game. Farías, now at the helm of Junior, indicated that he will be giving his all to secure a win against his former protégé: “We are friends, but I want to win, and we are going for it in the match,” he stated.
The highly anticipated match is set to take place at the Atanasio Girardot stadium in Medellín, kicking off at 4 p.m. on Sunday, marking the end of the ‘todos contra todos’ phase of Liga I. Junior will field a strong squad, minus suspended players Daniel Rivera and Didier Moreno.
Farías’s current focus is on achieving the elusive invisible point, a crucial element in the upcoming semifinal quadrangulars. “It’s a very important match. We’re aiming to win and showcase our gameplay. Both teams are strong contenders in the league,” remarked Edwin Herrera, who will defend the left flank. He will receive support from José Cuenú, who steps in for Rivera in defense.
The roster also sees the return of Guillermo Paiva, who has recovered from an ankle injury, providing an additional offensive option for the squad. While Farías has kept his game strategy under wraps, it’s known that he will not be opting for a backup lineup, raising some concerns about the availability of his two central defenders, Javier Báez and José Cuenú, who are at risk of suspension due to accumulated yellow cards.
Nacional, too, is fielding a full-strength squad as they prepare for a Libertadores match against Nacional of Uruguay next week. The excitement surrounding this match is palpable, especially after the turmoil that marred their last encounter, resulting in a suspension and a fine win for Junior in the aftermath.
Both teams are eager to display their talent and provide fans with a thrilling experience devoid of violence, paving the way for an entertaining precursor to the forthcoming challenges in the tournament.