The Academy faces a pivotal test against Quemero at the Cilindro, as they prepare for Chile’s Copa Libertadores kickoff.
At the moment of truth, the prospect of continuing their climb in the domestic league sits alongside the anticipation of their continental debut. The victory over Unión in Santa Fe, achieved back on Friday, March 17, stands as a distant memory after the long FIFA-date pause. Following fifteen days of meticulous training and squad rebuilding, the team approaches a fresh challenge in the Professional League Tournament, while keeping a sharp eye on Wednesday’s Copa Libertadores agenda, which will pit them against Ñublense in Chile for their inaugural continental appearance.
But before turning their sights abroad, The Academy will host Huracán at the Cilindro de Avellaneda, with kickoff set for Saturday at 9:30 pm. Huracán, who will compete in the Copa Sudamericana, entered this phase with a setback in their home match against Rosario Central and has yet to recapture the early-season form that had marked their campaign.
IT’S CALLED RACING
Early in the contest at Santa Fe, with barely seventeen minutes elapsed, John Carbonero had to be substituted due to pain, a foretaste of the unfortunate personal misfortune to come. Days later, the diagnosis confirmed a torn cruciate ligament, a blow that required surgery and will sideline him for approximately six to eight months. Although the leadership explored reinforcements to cover his absence, the window did not yield fresh faces to join the fold.
Good news arrived midweek: Gabriel Arias and Matias Rojas resumed full training without complications after a brief run of friendlies with the Chilean national team. Earlier, Leo Sigali, Jonathan Gómez, and Edwin Cardona had also returned from minor discomforts, rejoining the group as they pushed toward full fitness. The only lingering concern remained Gonzalo Piovi, who continued a longer period of reconditioning due to a muscle injury sustained against Sarmiento.
THE RACING TRAINING
Coach Fernando Gago faced two forced alterations in the lineup, one arising from the departure of a key titular and another tied to the anticipated return of Sigali to the backline, replacing Galván. The tactical question of the week centered on how the attack would be configured. The decision settled on including Gabriel Hauche, which would push Jonathan Gómez to the extreme left.
The anticipated starting XI reflected a balance between defensive solidity and creative punching, with Gabriel Arias protecting the goal; Facundo Mura and Leonardo Sigali anchoring the defense alongside Emiliano Insua and Oscar Opazo on the flanks; while in midfield, Juan Nardoni and Anibal Moreno provided transition machinery, Jonathan Gómez offered width and pace on the left, and the attacking trident featured Gabriel Hauche, Matias Rojas, and Maxi Romero, charged with breaking down Huracán and triggering counterattacks against Ñublense later in the week.
ALTERNATIVE
Tagliamonte, Galván, Pillud, Oroz, Avilés, Moralez, Cabellos, Reniero, Cardona, Fertoli, Fernández, Guerrero.
Note: In this phase, the squad’s depth options are on full display as coaches weigh different configurations for an intense stretch that blends domestic duties with a high-stakes continental campaign. The team remains focused on maintaining a steady performance rhythm, safeguarding fitness levels, and integrating returning players into a cohesive unit that can face demanding opponents in back-to-back fixtures.