In a tense encounter at the Estadio Bicentenario Municipal de La Florida on April 23, 2025, Unión Española and Fluminense battled to a goalless draw in the Copa Sudamericana. Both teams showcased their determination, but neither could find the back of the net, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
The match was crucial for both sides, with Fluminense hoping to solidify their position at the top of Group F, while Unión Española sought to bounce back from a disappointing start to their campaign. Fluminense entered the match on a high after a commanding 5-0 victory over GV San José and a narrow 1-0 win against Once Caldas. In contrast, Unión Española struggled, having lost 2-0 to Once Caldas and drawn 1-1 with GV San José in their previous outings.
From the outset, Unión Española displayed a strong desire to control the game. They dominated possession early on, holding 57% of the ball in the first half compared to Fluminense's 43%. The home side also proved to be more aggressive in attack, registering seven shots on goal in the first half alone, while Fluminense managed just three.
Throughout the match, Unión Española's midfield orchestrated play effectively, completing 211 accurate passes compared to Fluminense's 128 by halftime. However, despite their dominance, the scoreboard remained unchanged as both teams entered the break at 0-0.
The second half saw continued pressure from Unión Española, who maintained their lead in possession and shots on goal. By the 35th minute of the second half, they had increased their shots on target to nine, while Fluminense could only muster four. However, Fluminense's defense held firm, absorbing the pressure and looking for counter-attacking opportunities.
As the match progressed, both teams made tactical substitutions in an attempt to break the deadlock. Fluminense made several changes, bringing on Gustavo Cintra for Vagno de Sousa Brito Júnior in the 35th minute and Joaquín Lavega for Rubén Lezcano shortly after. Kevin Serna and Marcos da Silva França were also substituted in the 24th minute, replaced by Wesley Natã de Freitas Prado and Paulo Henrique Silva Ribeiro, respectively.
Unión Española responded with their own substitutions, introducing Fernando Ovelar for Christian Montes in the 20th minute of the second half, while Simón Ramírez replaced Matías Marín during halftime. These changes aimed to inject fresh energy into the match as time ticked away.
Despite the flurry of activity, both teams struggled to convert their chances into goals. The match saw a total of three yellow cards issued, with Nicolás Díaz and Vagno de Sousa Brito Júnior receiving cautions for Unión Española and Fluminense, respectively. Julio Cesar Lima Fidelis and Facundo Bernal also found themselves booked, adding to the tension on the pitch.
As the final whistle blew, the score remained 0-0, reflecting the competitive nature of the match. Unión Española's performance, while not yielding a win, showcased their resilience and ability to compete against a strong Fluminense side.
Looking ahead, Fluminense will seek to maintain their lead in the group as they prepare for their next match. Meanwhile, Unión Española will aim to build on their solid performance in search of a much-needed victory in their upcoming fixtures. The draw leaves both teams with plenty to ponder as they continue their campaigns in the Copa Sudamericana.
In the context of the tournament, only the group leaders will qualify directly for the round of 16, while the second-placed team will have to navigate a playoff against a third-placed team from the Libertadores. This adds an extra layer of urgency for both teams as they look to secure their spots in the knockout stages.
The match concluded with both teams sharing the points, but the competitive spirit displayed by both Unión Española and Fluminense suggests that the battle for supremacy in Group F is far from over. Fans can expect more thrilling encounters as the tournament progresses.
