Junior Battles Unión Magdalena in High-Stakes Costa Rican Classic

BARRANQUILLA, Colombia — Junior and Unión Magdalena face off Wednesday at the Estadio Metropolitano in Barranquilla during matchday 10 of the Liga BetPlay 2025-I. Junior aims for a win to climb the standings, currently sitting sixth with 16 points.

Meanwhile, Unión Magdalena, lingering in the relegation zone, is still searching for its first victory of the season, with only five points from five draws. The team recently appointed Alexis García as head coach, but Gerardo Bedoya will lead the squad temporarily due to contractual issues.

The match kicks off at 6:30 p.m. (COL) after both teams warm up in their newly announced kits for this season, with Junior presenting their official Adidas jersey. The excitement builds as fans anticipate the showdown in this storied rivalry.

“For Junior, consistency is key after two solid wins against Millonarios and Llaneros, and we want to maintain that momentum,” said Junior coach César Farías. “We are looking to perform well at home and secure all three points.”

Unión has a tumultuous past few weeks. After consecutive draws, the team’s spirits were high until a missed penalty against Boyacá Chicó dashed their hopes of claiming their first win. “It’s crucial for us to regroup and adapt to Alexis’ system to improve our performance,” Bedoya stated. “Every point counts as we aim to escape the relegation zone.”

Junior’s lineup will see some changes due to player absences. Jefferson Martínez steps in for Santiago Mele, away with the Uruguayan national team, while a suspension will necessitate defensive adjustments following Javier Báez’s red card.

As both teams prepare for this critical encounter, fans are gearing up for a charged atmosphere at the stadium. “The energy here is palpable,” said Junior fan Rafael Salazar. “We believe our team can make a strong statement tonight.”

This classic not only represents regional rivalry but also acts as a crucial match for both teams’ respective seasons. Junior seeks a stronger foothold among league leaders, while Unión fights valiantly to avert relegation.

With kickoff just around the corner, fans can catch the game via Win+ Fútbol and stream the match through Win Play. For continuous match updates, follow live coverage on ESPN Digital.