Recap
Following a 2-0 defeat to Racing Córdoba in the Primera Nacional, Chaco For Ever parted ways with head coach Pedro Llorens by mutual agreement. In the meantime, the club’s youth academy coordinator, Santiago Gea, has been appointed interim manager as the team attempts to navigate an increasingly turbulent period.
The side from Resistencia is enduring a severe crisis, having suffered back-to-back defeats and five losses in their last seven matches. Their only victory of the season came more than two months ago, leaving them rooted to the bottom of the table with a dismal 1-6-10 record and seven points adrift of All Boys, the last team currently outside the relegation zone.
Off the pitch, the situation is equally concerning. The club has experienced a significant decline in membership numbers, while attendances at the Juan Alberto GarcÃa Stadium have fallen to less than half of its capacity. Financial difficulties have also taken their toll, with several players departing in recent weeks due to wage-related issues, including Marinucci (15/4) and Bolzicco (4/0). Furthermore, Pruzzo (10/0) will miss the match through suspension.
In contrast, Colón Santa Fe arrive in Resistencia with something that had eluded them for much of the campaign: confidence. Last week’s victory further reinforced the sense of progress the team has gradually been building and they now have another opportunity to strengthen their position when they visit Chaco For Ever. Colón are currently unbeaten in eight matches, recording two wins and six draws. While the number of victories may not appear particularly impressive, the consistency they have displayed has kept them firmly in contention and prevented them from losing ground in the race near the top of the standings.
In my view, Colón possess superior quality and arrive in considerably better form and appear well-equipped to extend their unbeaten run.