Millonarios achieved an important victory, in the first leg of the BetPlay Cup semifinals, by defeating Medellín 0-2 at the Atanasio Girardot. The performance of the Blues on the court is admirable, controlling the ball and recognizing the moments to go back, holding on in defense.
These were the statements of Alberto Gamero, after the victory that leaves them very close to the final of the BetPlay Cup, as they will close the key in Bogotá, on September 7.
Analysis of the game: in the first minutes we got confused. We thought the planning was with Ricaurte, from behind, to release Arregui. When they put Torres in, we had to look further and we got messed up. Medellín had arrivals on the sides, the centrals had to go for Marrugo, he was improving and we matched him.
We were effective, we arrived, we tried to elaborate. In the actions that we had, we liquidated. In the second half, Medellín went out to look. It is not that Millionaires were looking for a low block to counterattack, they, in their desire, forced us to back down. Monsalve gave them more clarity on the attack front. My midfielders were already worn out.
In part of the second half, we managed it, we had to unbalance. They came to us and Álvaro was there, that’s what he’s here for, he took out two difficult balls. That is his job.
Movements on the court and profile changes: we are not looking to change the profile, because they manage to do it without any problem, they know how to do it. In the first half, Marrugo beat them to the punch. For the second half, we managed to get Silva to take on Torres or Arregui, just like Monsalve with Vásquez or Pereira.
There was not that filter of balls, in quantity, for them to threaten us. The defense stopped well, undoubtedly Monsalve complicated us a bit.
Instruction for the complement with the marker: for the second half there were two things, to manage the match. Their two or three options were lost to us in zone two, it was closer to them. I always tell them, sometimes, when going out to a complement and winning, they must wait for a response from the rival. There are duels where you handle it at the beginning, but the second it changes.
He raised it differently with Monsalve, he released the wings, Monroy did not come out so much. Arregui stepped on the area. In football you have to suffer, it’s not just winning and not getting it. This key is open, it has not been defined. Medellín had sparks, which can come, can hurt. We defended ourselves well when we demanded of ourselves. Montero had two important saves, which could discount the score.
Team rotation in midcourt and level of Pereira and Vasquez: Larry didn’t play last game, we’re doing it. The previous one, Pereira did not play, García was there. There was the rotation, also with Kliver and Dewar. We haven’t reached the final yet and we haven’t qualified. I want to go through the league quickly, to be able to watch and recover certain players, face other games, we want to go to the final.
As long as there is that mentality and strength, they will do well. It is to change them, with Ruiz and Silva, they came out today at minute 60, thinking that they will play in Tuluá. We will be doing it. If one of them isn’t there by Sunday, we’ll put Garcia in. It is to give them the chance, I notice when the player is whole or not, the doctors tell us. As long as we have the whole group, we will do it.
Juan Carlos Pereira level: the team was with Vega and Larry. Pereira came in and understood the job, they also play inside, I have them as a midfielder. The team has to handle the ball, either one comes off. The order is that both do it, they get the ball well from behind. They have partners ahead, such as Silva, who is more whole. Before, Silva had to throw the team on his shoulder, today he has partners who carry the ball for him.
The Pereira thing makes me happy, sometimes things didn’t go well, but things have improved. With the help of his teammates, he is one of the best midfielders in the League.
