Preview: América visits Patriotas in matchday 4 of the 2024-II Betplay League

This Sunday, August 4th, América de Cali visits Patriotas at the Estadio La Independencia in Tunja for the match corresponding to the 4th round of the current League.

The American team, managed by Jorge Da Silva, is in fifth place in the standings with six points (two wins and one loss). Meanwhile, the Lancers are second to last with one point (two losses and one draw).

Prior to this meeting, our Uruguayan strategist and player Cristian Barrios spoke to the media at our Cascajal Sports Complex.

“We’ve had more than a week of work since the last match, we have the entire squad available, and we’re eager to get back to playing. Planning our training sessions has been complicated, but we’re happy with what we’ve accomplished so far, and we’re focusing on each match. On Sunday, we have a very difficult game against an opponent desperate for points, in a challenging stadium and city, but we’re highly motivated and eager to continue this upward trend in terms of our play, performance, and results,” the manager stated.

“I played in Tunja for six years, and I think 3:30 pm is the worst time to play there. Sometimes when I was there, I heard comments from big teams saying that 6:00 pm was the best time because of the cold, but at 3:30 pm it's much harder for the opponent. We'll have to be very smart. We know who our opponent is, we know what's at stake for them with the relegation battle. We have the advantage of the fans, because it will be a very good time. We'll feel like we're playing at home. We have to go there focused on playing our style of football to get the three points we want,” Barrios said about the match.

Similarly, creative midfielder Mateo Zuleta gave his first statements at a press conference as a reinforcement for América for América's objectives in the second half of 2024.

"I've come here with the mindset of winning championships. It's a great group, there's a strong sense of camaraderie, and I know we're going to achieve it. In my position, I describe myself as a fast player who can play centrally or on the wing. I'm a playmaker who can score goals and provide assists. I think I can contribute on both sides, inside and out; I don't feel weak in either position. I'm very happy to be here," said Zuleta.

Watch the full press conference here:

(254) 🎥 Pre-match press conference vs. Patriotas | Matchday 4 – Liga Betplay 2024-II – YouTube