Deportivo Cali reached the round of 16 of the Copa Sudamericana after finishing third in their group in the Copa Libertadores, where they faced Corintians from Brazil, Boca Juniors from Argentina, and Always Ready from Bolivia. Tomorrow, at 7.30 pm, they will play against FBC Melgar from Arequipa in their stadium with a capacity of 52 thousand people.
According to Colombian journalist Fabián Giraldo, there is great pressure internally and from the fans to achieve qualification to the quarterfinals. "Cali did not have a bad Libertadores campaign, but they performed very poorly in the local tournament. It was a failure. They have not achieved their objectives. Coach Rafael Dudamel had a disastrous campaign."
Cali has had time to prepare for their match against Melgar. Their last official match was against Boca in Argentina, losing 1-0 on May 25. They then had a brief rest and subsequently trained to play in the cup.
YOU CAN SEE: FBC Melgar travels to Colombia on Tuesday to face Deportivo Cali
However, to the dismay of their fans, they played a preparation friendly last week against Cortuluá, losing 4-0. "They played good matches in the Libertadores, something very different from what was seen in the Colombian league. There is pressure from all points of view. If Melgar eliminates them and more defeats come, it is certain that the coach will be separated from the team, they won't tolerate it anymore, his situation is complex," said the specialist in Colombian football.
In 2019, Melgar managed to defeat Junior in Barranquilla, now they will seek a good result away since the return match will be played on July 6 at 7.30pm at the Monumental Arequipa stadium.
Referent. Cuesta will not play the match, but he will travel. Photo: Difusión
Regarding the Arequipa team, Fabián Giraldo Sports director (youtube) said, "They are having a good Copa. Melgar is a well-known club in South America. They have all the possibilities to win, but Cali would have to pass the phase due to the football they have been showing. Melgar is a good team. The work they have been doing is praiseworthy."
Finally, regarding the arrival of Néstor Lorenzo, the current coach of Melgar, to the Colombian national team, he said that the press and the fans were expecting a character with better and more prestigious coaching experience. "Although Lorenzo worked with Pekerman in the national team. I would have liked Gareca to come. Nobody expected this."
FBC Melgar will arrive at this match after winning 1-0 against Atlético Grau and with the aim of winning or drawing on Sunday in Piura against Alianza Sullana to become the champion of the Torneo Apertura. The schedule of matches and trips is quite tight for the undefeated Arequipa team in the last 9 matches.