In a crucial match of the Argentine championship, Defensa y Justicia will host Unión Santa Fe at the Norberto Tito Tomaghello stadium on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. This encounter marks the 13th round of the Liga Professional, and both teams are eager to secure valuable points as the season progresses.
Defensa y Justicia is currently facing a challenging phase, having fallen to 9th place in the standings with 17 points from 12 matches. After an encouraging start to the season, they now find themselves in a slump, with three consecutive defeats. Their most recent outing was a disappointing 1-4 loss to Argentinos Juniors, a result that has left fans and players alike concerned about the team's current form.
Despite this downturn, there is still hope for Defensa y Justicia, largely resting on the shoulders of their top scorer, Juan Miritiello. The forward has netted four goals in ten appearances, but the team’s overall attack has struggled, averaging just 1.17 goals per game. Defensively, the situation is even more alarming, as they have conceded 16 goals, including 10 in their last five matches. Coach Pablo de Muner will be looking to adjust his tactics to shore up the defense and reinvigorate the attack.
On the other side, Unión Santa Fe is also grappling with inconsistency, currently sitting in 13th place with 11 points. Their performance has been marked by turbulence, with three wins, two draws, and seven losses across their 12 matches. However, they did manage to secure a much-needed victory against Central Córdoba, winning 1-0, which may serve as a catalyst for improved performances.
Unión's attack has been notably lackluster, averaging just 0.67 goals per game, with only eight goals scored so far this season. Lucas Gamba has been the standout player, contributing two goals, but the team’s overall offensive output remains a concern. In contrast, their defense has shown resilience, conceding only 13 goals in total, which could be a key factor in their upcoming clash against Defensa y Justicia.
As both teams prepare for this encounter, the head-to-head statistics suggest a balanced rivalry. In their last match-up on December 15, 2024, the teams played to a 0-0 draw, highlighting the defensive capabilities of both sides. Historically, in the last 14 meetings, Defensa y Justicia has won five times, Unión Santa Fe four, with five matches ending in draws.
The bookmakers have given Defensa y Justicia a slight edge, offering odds of approximately 2.25 for a home victory. This aligns with the expectation that playing at home will provide them with an advantage, especially as Unión Santa Fe has lost all five of their away matches this season. The odds suggest a strong likelihood for Defensa y Justicia to secure a victory, especially given Unión's struggles on the road.
Fans eagerly anticipate the match, hoping to see a turnaround in Defensa y Justicia's form. The team has the potential to dominate at home, and with the support of their fans, they will be looking to end their winless streak. The match is set to kick off at 19:00 (Brasília time) and will be broadcast live on ESPN and Disney+ Premium.
In terms of lineups, Defensa y Justicia is expected to field Enrique Bologna in goal, with a backline that includes Ezequiel Cannavo, Lucas Ferreira, Kevin Balanta, and Damián Pérez. The midfield will likely feature Valentín Larralde, Kevin Gutiérrez, and César Pérez, while the attack will be led by Juan Miritiello and Aaron Molinas.
Unión Santa Fe, under the guidance of coach Kily González, will likely start with Matías Tagliamonte in goal, supported by Lautaro Vargas, Rafael Profini, Juan Pablo Ludueña, and Valentín Fascendini in defense. The midfield is expected to include Julián Palacios and Mauricio Martínez, with Lucas Gamba and Jerónimo Dómina leading the attack.
As the match approaches, both teams are aware of the stakes involved. For Defensa y Justicia, a win could reignite their season and restore confidence, while Unión Santa Fe will aim to build on their recent success and finally secure points away from home. With both teams desperate for a positive result, fans can expect an intense and competitive clash.
In conclusion, the upcoming match between Defensa y Justicia and Unión Santa Fe promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams fighting to improve their standings in the Liga Professional. As the match unfolds, all eyes will be on the players to see who will rise to the occasion and secure the vital points.
