But not even the most enthusiastic cream supporter would have imagined such an optimistic start to the Jorge Fossati era. The Uruguayan, old fox of South American football, began to bring order to Ate and restore hope to the squad. As for the football proposal, in the blink of an eye the ‘U’ approached the fan’s desire: a combative, seasoned and voracious team when it came to attacking. Thanks to that virtue, today he is the leader of the Apertura Tournament, and with growing optimism for the Copa Sudamericana.
If the draw was cruel with Alianza Lima, Sporting Cristal, Melgar and even César Vallejo, with Universitario it was more benevolent. This does not mean that the creams assume favoritism to advance to the next round, but a priori they have great options. His rivals do not arrive at a good time. In Argentina, Gimnasia y Esgrima de La Plata barely added 8 points out of 24 possible in the Professional League. The ‘Wolf’ is going through a crisis of results, but also a financial one. For this reason, it had to get rid of its main figures and its current squad is made up entirely of Argentine soccer players. Furthermore, it is a fairly young team, with just three players over 30 years of age.
Independiente Santa Fe won three of 10 matches in the Colombian Apertura Tournament. Unlike Gymnastics, its squad has a fairly high average age, where midfielder Cristian Marrugo (37), striker Wilson Morelo (35) and striker Hugo Rodallega (37) stand out. Finally, Goiás had action this year since January 12, but only in state tournaments: Copa Verde and Campeonato Goiano, since the Brasileirao will only start in April. Except for the Argentine midfielder Julián Palacios, ex-Banfield and San Lorenzo and who arrived this season, his squad is made up exclusively of Brazilian soccer players.
The ball is in the University court. The key, taking out the calculator, is to win all three games at home to have a good chance of qualifying. Visiting, with the experience of Jorge Fossati directing in continental tournaments, this outstanding debt of all the Peruvian teams can be settled. The illusion, once again, is renewed for all the cream people.
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