Communications left the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Clausura tournament with mixed feelings: hit by an adverse start, but strengthened by the reaction that allowed him to reduce the disadvantage. As a visitor, the cream team lost 3-2 against Antigua GFCalthough it left the series to a single goal and the ticket to the semifinals open for the second leg on Saturday, when it will be played in white territory.
The match, played in the stadium Thoughtful of the colonial city, he began with intensity. Antigua imposed rhythm, pressure and depth from the first minutes, By taking advantage of defensive imbalances and an imprecise version of Communications, that dominance was reflected on the scoreboard, with an advantage that seemed to lead the colonials to a comprehensive victory.
In a knockout series, the context matters as much as the game. Communications understood that, even on an adverse night, a goal can change history. When the game was leaning in favor of the rival, the team adjusted lines, improved in recovery and managed the ball better. Thus he found spaces to score and make it 3-2, a result that keeps him alive in the series.
That reading was also shared by one of the cream defenders, who acknowledged that the team paid dearly at the beginning, but appreciated the reaction at the end. “We fell behind very quickly, with a very large score, but hey, this team is like that, they never give up… Thank God we brought the series closer to a goal and I think that at home we have been strong to turn this series around.”
The defender pointed out that the lack of intensity in the first minutes was decisive, an aspect that Antigua knew how to take advantage of. “I think we entered a little relaxed in the first minutes, we only saw them passing and we did not enter with that intensity that we have to play in a final phase; so that is the result.”
The improvement in the second half also stood out, when the team managed to balance the game and shorten the difference. “In the second half I think Communications was much better and we were able to rescue a score… we took the series home.”
The return, a final
With the aggregate 3-2 in favor of Antigua, the second leg is shaping up to be decisive. Communications needs to win to advance: a narrow victory would give them a pass to the next round, Antigua, for its part, will seek to manage the advantage. A draw or a victory would give the pass to the Antigueños
The cream defender anticipated a demanding match, due to the rival’s offensive style, and trusted the momentum of playing at home. “I think it will be the same intensity, it is a team that seeks to score goals too, so I think it is a very even series. But at home, with our people and with our motivation, we can get the result.”