The match held on Tuesday saw Pereira emerge victorious over At. Nacional with a narrow score of 2-1. Pereira took an early lead in the 7th minute thanks to a well-executed play. However, At. Nacional responded swiftly, leveling the score just 15 minutes later, with a goal from Edwin Cardona in the 22nd minute. The momentum shifted back to Pereira when Darwin Quintero struck decisively in the 33rd minute, sealing the match at 2-1.
Darwin Quintero was undoubtedly the standout performer, not only scoring a goal but also attempting 4 shots on target throughout the match. Edwin Cardona also exhibited commendable skills by netting 1 goal and taking 2 shots.
Pereira’s head coach, Rafael Dudamel, fielded his team in a 4-5-1 formation, featuring Salvador Ichazo in goal, supported by a defense of Jordy Monroy, José Moya, Santiago Aguilar, and Edwin Velasco. The midfield comprised Juan Ríos, Kelvin Osorio, Jhon Largacha, Darwin Quintero, and Yuber Quiñones, with Samy Merheg leading the attack.
On the other side, At. Nacional, managed by Javier Gandolfi, also lined up in a 4-5-1 system. David Ospina was between the posts, while Joan Castro, Juan Arias, William Tesillo, and Andrés Salazar formed the defensive line. The midfield included Juan Manuel Zapata, Matheus Uribe, Marino Hinestroza, Edwin Cardona, and Andrés Sarmiento, with Alfredo Morelos spearheading the offense.
The match officiated by José Ortiz Novoa took place at the Hernán Ramírez Villegas Stadium.
Looking ahead to the next round, Pereira will travel to face Tolima, while At. Nacional will host Santa Fe.
As a result of this victory, Pereira has now accumulated 6 points in the league, placing them at the top of the table, while At. Nacional stands at 4 points, holding the sixth position.
Substitutions for Pereira
64’ 2T – Samy Merheg out for Marco Pérez; Jhon Largacha out for Gustavo Torres; 71’ 2T – Kelvin Osorio out for Ederson Moreno; Yuber Quiñones out for Omar Albornoz; 77’ 2T – Jordy Monroy out for Walmer Pacheco.
Booked Players for Pereira:
9’ 1T Samy Merheg (Unsporting behavior), 26’ 1T Santiago Aguilar (Unsporting behavior), 22’ 2T Gustavo Torres (Unsporting behavior), 23’ 2T Juan Ríos (Unsporting behavior) and 28’ 2T Edwin Velasco (Unsporting behavior).
Sent Off Players for Pereira:
54’ 1T Juan Quintero (Direct red), 36’ 2T José Moya (Direct red).
Substitutions for At. Nacional
45’ 2T – Andrés Sarmiento out for Jorman Campuzano; 63’ 2T – Alfredo Morelos out for Elkin Rivero; Matheus Uribe out for César Haydar; 76’ 2T – Marino Hinestroza out for Facundo Batista; Edwin Cardona out for Billy Arce.
Booked Players for At. Nacional:
26’ 1T William Tesillo (Unsporting behavior), 43’ 1T Andrés Salazar (Unsporting behavior).
Sent Off Players for At. Nacional:
50’ 1T Juan Manuel Zapata (Direct red), 14’ 2T William Tesillo (Direct red).