In an intense fixture at the Estadio Metropolitano, Junior was edged out by América de Cali in the fifth round of Group A of the Primera División. Luis Ramos secured the victory for the Red Devils with a decisive goal in the 76th minute of the second half.
Prior to this, América de Cali had a missed opportunity when Rodrigo Holgado struck the post in the 42nd minute, preventing them from taking an early lead.
Ramos distinguished himself as the standout player of the match, contributing significantly with one goal and three attempts on target, showcasing his prowess as a forward. His teammate, Juan Fernando Quintero, also had a commendable performance, taking a total of ten shots during the encounter.
Junior’s head coach, César Farías, went for a tactical 4-4-2 formation featuring Jefersson Martínez in goal, supported by a defensive line of Jhomier Guerrero, Javier Báez, Howell Mena, and Edwin Herrera. The midfield consisted of Jordan Barrera, Didier Moreno, Yimmi Chará, and Bryan Castrillón, while the attack relied on Guillermo Paiva and Miller Bacca.
Conversely, América de Cali, led by Jorge Da Silva Echeverrito, opted for a 4-5-1 setup. Jorge Soto guarded the net, with Esneyder Mena, Cristian Tovar, Jean Pestaña, and Marcos Mina forming the backline. The midfield saw Rafael Carrascal, Sebastián Navarro, Jan Lucumi, Juan Fernando Quintero, and Duván Vergara, and Rodrigo Holgado spearheaded the attack.
Match referee Wilmar Roldán Pérez oversaw the proceedings that saw Junior suffer critical losses. Howell Mena received a direct red card in the 16th minute and José Enamorado followed suit with another direct red in the 74th minute, reducing Junior to nine men.
In their next matches, the Tiburón will travel to face Tolima, while the Red Devils will host Independiente Medellín.
Junior Substitutions
19’ 1T – Miller Bacca out for Fabián Ángel
65’ 2T – Bryan Castrillón out for José Enamorado and Jordan Barrera out for Yani Quintero
79’ 2T – Guillermo Paiva out for Joel Canchimbo
80’ 2T – Yimmi Chará out for Jose Caicedo
Yellow Cards for Junior:
5’ 2T – Guillermo Paiva (Unsporting behavior)
41’ 2T – Edwin Herrera (Unsporting behavior)
Red Cards for Junior:
16’ 1T – Howell Mena (Direct red)
74’ 2T – José Enamorado (Direct red)
América de Cali Substitutions:
24’ 1T – Jan Lucumi out for Joel Romero
45’ 2T – Sebastián Navarro out for Luis Ramos
58’ 2T – Marcos Mina out for José Cavadía
68’ 2T – Rodrigo Holgado out for Kevin Angulo
Yellow Cards for América de Cali:
6’ 2T – Marcos Mina (Unsporting behavior)
20’ 2T – José Cavadía (Unsporting behavior)