The Cyclone keeps pressing for a lead in the race for the title, needing steady positive results to build momentum. They understand that every point matters, every match counts, and the path to glory runs through consistency and grit. River, on the other hand, remains focused on the long game: fight to the end and claim the national crown. While the current gap to the top is still within reach, the gap to the leader stands at five points, a margin that could shrink with upcoming results. For the moment, there is a brief window of leverage where a two-point cushion can offer some breathing room, especially as the team faces the pressure of the Millionaire-for-a-day standoff against a central powerhouse.
Sunday action is set to intensify. From 2 p.m., the Cyclone will travel to the Claudio Fabián Tapia central barracks for the 18th date of Binance Tournament 2023. The venue has traditionally been a tough ground for visiting sides, and the tactical chess match on display promises to test both teams’ resolve and adaptability. Fans anticipate a contest that blends disciplined defense with sharp counterattack opportunities, a balance that can swing the result in moments of precision and nerve.
THE CALL OF SAN LORENZO
Two crucial returns shape the lineup for this upcoming clash. First, Adam Bareiro has completed his suspension following the fifth yellow card, making him an immediate option for the attack. He returns with fresh legs and a clear mandate to impact the frontline, adding pace and physical presence to the forward line. In tandem with Bareiro, Nauel Barrios is back from his injury layoff, offering another important dimension in the attacking setup and giving the coach more flexibility in the final third. The morning drills indicated a readiness to deploy dynamic combinations that can stretch defenses and create scoring chances.
On the downside, Gaston Hernandez remains sidelined just ahead of the next round. His absence removes a piece of the puzzle in defense or midfield depending on how the coach chooses to shape the axis. In addition, Agustín Giay is still tied to Argentina’s U-20 World Cup duties and cannot be called up for this match, limiting options in midfield creativity and energy.
THE FORMATION OF SAN LORENZO
The most recent formal session suggested the coach leaned toward the familiar starting XI, prioritizing rhythm and understanding among the core group. The main question continues to revolve around the central strike pairing. Bareiro and Leguizamón are both options to partner with Vombergar, and the decision will hinge on how the tactical plan seeks to exploit opposing defenses. The choice will influence how the team presses when out of possession and how quickly they can transition to the attack when recovery wins the ball.
The probable lineup, based on the latest run of play, looks like this: August Battle in goal; Rafael Perez, Carlos Sanchez, and Federico Gattoni anchoring the back line; Gonzalo Luján, Jalil Elias, Agustín Martegani, Malcom Braida controlling the middle of the park; Andrés Vombergar offering a central hub in attack, with Nahuel Barrios providing width and energy on the right or left as needed; and the striking partnership either Adam Bareiro or Iván Leguizamón alongside Vombergar, with Barrios still capable of alternating roles as the game evolves. This arrangement emphasizes a balance between defensive solidity and forward threat, aiming to control the tempo and create meaningful chances in the final third.
ALTERNATIVE
The plan remains flexible. If the tactical needs demand it, the coach is prepared to adjust the frontline or shift the midfield balance to press higher or to compact the spaces behind the ball. The core objective is to maximize ball retention in the opponent’s half and to convert territorial advantages into scoring opportunities. The coaching staff will look for crisp passes, intelligent off-ball movements, and efficient pressing to stifle the opposing build-up and force mistakes at key moments.
In this phase of the season, every training session, every minute of rest, and every tactical nuance matters. San Lorenzo’s management and players understand that the path to the title is a mosaic of small, consistent performances that accumulate over the weeks. The upcoming match at the central barracks is more than a single game; it is a statement about readiness, resilience, and the pursuit of a peak form when it matters most.