I doubt he'll start. It disbalances our midfield to have both him and Pity on at the same time, as seen when we tried it out vs. Gremio. At the moment, Pity is at a better level and always tears it up vs. Boca, so Juan Fer will more than likely be on the bench once again in the return leg. I hope he gets more minutes than today, though.
Those don't come as often thou; the advantage to club football is that it happens more often. Falcao and James for example have loads of experience in trophy winning games.
Well fast-forward two weeks, and suddenly Juan Fer actually has a serious chance of starting in the second final tomorrow vs. Boca. Due to Borre's suspension + Scocco not recovering from his injury in time for the game (he was previously expected to make it), River is limited in terms of options up front and thus the stars may have aligned for the Colombian to receive his golden opportunity. The line-up is yet to be confirmed, but many outlets are reporting Quintero as a likely starter since he was tried out in the eleven in the last training session. It all comes down to the tactical formation Gallardo decides to use, something he'll decided on last minute as he did in the first leg with the surpise 5-3-2. The other 10 players will be the same ones who started in La Bombonera, we just have to see who replaces Borre (such a shame he won't be present, btw) -- Martinez Quarta (CB), Ignacio Fernandez (CM), Quintero, and Mora (FW) are all fighting for the spot, but it'll likely come to a last minute decision between Nacho Fernandez and Juan Fer.
As a fan of JuanFer and a fan of creative, imaginative futbol el Muñeco should start JuanFer. No doubt about it. I have the feeling that if he is on the bench Boca will take this game easily.
Well his best form has been coming off the bench, so that's something to consider. Maybe go with someone more defensive and physical to rough it out the first 45, and then bring in Quintero to open things up a bit more in the second half... plus you have to consider that the game could go to extra time + penalties and it would be crucial to have Juan Fer in said instances. If he can't last 90 minutes, imagine 120. I'd start Quintero as well, but these are just some thoughts... For what it's worth, Ole is reporting Ignacio Fernandez as the likely starter now, although nothing is confirmed (even with the match a few mere hours away).
I hear ya. I know it is an option and his role has been used well off the bench. I just have a feeling that it may be too late when he comes on if he does not start. I have seen way too many games in which a manager keeps a weapon on the bench and get's burned by it. From what I am reading Guillermo may go for the kill with Cardona (Ironically their Colombian creative play maker). If the pace of the game is controlled by him and the creative passes come from him that sets a tone. Nobody is going to be happy if River is down 2-0 and Quinterito has to come in and save the day. Too much pressure. But we shall see.
I love how this kid plays. My only issue is his size, I feel like against Europeans his size hurts his performance. Unless James or Cuadrado creates space. Which is why we struggled against that Weak England squad during WC.
Haha no Colombians at River starting then I am cheering for Boca. Fk even River fans should want a Boca to win with this bullshit Tho they did make Cucuta play Boca when there was no visibility on the field so fk Boca!
What a dream goal for Quintero. The gol to win the Libertadores in the Bernabéu. In front of the of the world whose attention was on this after all the circus that proceeded it. And the final assist essentially to seal the deal. I feel so happy for him.
Quintero is as clutch as they come, what a goal. So happy for the little magician to continue to show that he really is a special talent.