In the first round of the first division tournament, Junior asserted their strength as they defeated Deportivo Cali at the Estadio Olímpico Pascual Guerrero. The match saw Guillermo Paiva open the scoring with a well-placed goal in the 33rd minute of the first half. Steven Rodríguez then sealed the victory with a second goal in the 67th minute, leaving Deportivo Cali unable to find the net.
The standout performer for Junior was Yimmi Chará, who impressively took two shots on goal throughout the match. His contributions in midfield were crucial for the team’s success. Another key player was Guillermo Paiva, who not only scored but also tested the opposition’s goalkeeper with two attempts on goal.
For Deportivo Cali, coach Alberto Gamero arranged his squad in a 4-3-3 formation, featuring Alejandro Rodríguez in goal, Fabián Viáfara, Guzmán Corujo, Joaquín Varela, and Andrés Correa as defenders, while Yeison Gordillo, Rafael Bustamante, and Andrés Colorado formed the midfield trio. The attacking front consisted of Javier Reina, Jaider Moreno, and Fabián Castillo.
Meanwhile, Junior, under the management of Alfredo Arias, set up in a 4-4-2 formation with Mauro Silveira in goal. The defensive line included Jhomier Guerrero, Javier Báez, Jermein Peña, and Edwin Herrera; the midfield comprised Yimmi Chará, Fabián Ángel, Carlos Esparragoza, and Bryan Castrillón, with Guillermo Paiva and Steven Rodríguez leading the attack.
José Ortiz Novoa was the appointed referee for this clash.
In their upcoming fixtures, the Verdiblanco will visit Envigado, while the Tiburón will face Águilas Doradas Rionegro at the Estadio Alberto Grisales. Currently, Deportivo Cali sits in twentieth place without points, while Junior climbs to second place in the league with three points.
Substitutions for Deportivo Cali
21’ 1H – Rafael Bustamante out for Juan Cantillo 68’ 2H – Juan Cantillo out for Jhon Aponzá and Javier Reina out for Luis Orejuela 78’ 2H – Jaider Moreno out for Juan Arango 79’ 2H – Fabián Viáfara out for Cristian Graciano
Yellow Cards for Deportivo Cali:
37’ 1H – Alejandro Rodríguez (Verbal misconduct towards the referee)
Red Card for Deportivo Cali:
6’ 1H – Fabián Castillo (Direct red)
Substitutions for Junior
45’ 2H – Carlos Esparragoza out for Guillermo Celis 58’ 2H – Bryan Castrillón out for John Salazar 70’ 2H – Yimmi Chará out for Joel Canchimbo 83’ 2H – Guillermo Paiva out for Stiwart Acuña and Steven Rodríguez out for Jhon Navia
Yellow Cards for Junior:
23’ 1H – Carlos Esparragoza (Unsporting behavior), 44’ 1H – Jermein Peña (Unsporting behavior), 11’ 2H – Yimmi Chará (Unsporting behavior)