In the lead-up to the second leg of the Copa Sudamericana Round of 16, Pablo Repetto analyzed and stated that his team has a chance to eliminate the Millonario
Independiente Santa Fe arrived in Buenos Aires with the hope of pulling off an upset against River and advancing to the quarter-finals of the Copa Sudamericana. After the 0-0 draw in Bogotá, the Colombian team will face the rematch at the Monumental with Pablo Repetto as one of those responsible for trying to find the formula to eliminate Eduardo Coudet's team.
The Uruguayan coach knows that the scenario will be very different from the first leg and paid special attention to the changes River will present in their lineup. "It will be a different match from Bogotá, because River will play with two natural full-backs. That already changes the offensive proposal on their field, with their fans, with a need", he explained at a press conference.
Repetto, however, has not lost confidence in his players and believes that Santa Fe has the means to compete in a high-pressure environment. "With great hope of putting on a great match and from there overcoming this phase against a rival like River", he stated.
In that same vein, the coach highlighted the evolution his team has shown in recent months and emphasized that they must replicate their best performances to have a chance of advancing. "As we repeat the good things we've done at the beginning of this second half of the year, combined with the good things we had done before at the end of the first semester, we believe we are capable of putting on a good match and achieving qualification", he maintained.
The pressure will especially be on the Millonario due to their status as the home team and the need to secure a victory after the goalless draw in the first leg. Repetto acknowledged the magnitude of the opponent, but avoided giving importance to the past encounters between the two clubs. "I had no idea about the previous matches. A fan told me what happened during the Pandemic, that Santa Fe couldn't beat River. That's history, we didn't take it into account. They are different players, so I don't think that will influence", he explained.
The coach knows that his team must maintain concentration for the full 90 minutes to withstand the atmosphere of the Monumental. "We will manage the match like any rival, knowing the quality of players River has, what it means to come to the Monumental with River's obligation and need. We will have to be very attentive, play our game, and we know we need to be at a very high level", he analyzed.
Repetto trusts that Santa Fe can strike against River
For Santa Fe, qualifying in Núñez would also have special significance due to the weight of the opponent and the rarity of achieving such a victory on Argentine soil. "It would be taking another step in the Cup, as every result against the rival in front of you gives you more value or not. I believe it will have greater significance because of what River is, because of its history, because of coming as a visitor. It doesn't happen every day. That will enhance if we can achieve passage", he assured.
It will also be another special visit for Repetto, who has already faced River five times (2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses) and managed to eliminate them in the round of 16 of the 2016 Copa Libertadores with Independiente del Valle. Now, with Santa Fe, he will seek to repeat that feat and secure a ticket to the quarter-finals of the Sudamericana.
