This Sunday, Pereira secured a 2-1 victory over Once Caldas in a thrilling encounter at the Hernán Ramírez Villegas Stadium. The home team took an early lead with a goal from Jhon Largacha just 3 minutes into the match. Despite Pereira’s dominance, Michael Barrios equalized for Once Caldas at the 39-minute mark with an impressive play. Nevertheless, Pereira sealed the win with a header from Yesus Cabrera at the 75th minute.
The match started with an explosive move from Pereira, when Jhon Largacha capitalized on a pass from Samy Merheg, unleashing a powerful shot into the left corner of the net.
Yesus Cabrera was undoubtedly the standout player, scoring the decisive goal and demonstrating exceptional skills throughout the match.
Jhon Largacha also played a pivotal role, not only scoring but also making three attempts on goal, showcasing his offensive prowess.
Coach Rafael Dudamel opted for a 4-5-1 formation, featuring Salvador Ichazo in goal; Jordy Monroy, Santiago Aguilar, José Moya, and Edwin Velasco in defense; with Víctor Mejía, Kelvin Osorio, Jhon Largacha, Darwin Quintero, and Yuber Quiñones in midfield; and Samy Merheg leading the attack.
On the other hand, Hernán Herrera’s squad also adopted a 4-5-1 formation, placing James Aguirre in goal and including Juan David Cuesta, Jorge Cardona, Jaider Riquett, and Kevin Tamayo in defense. The midfield comprised Robert Mejía, Mateo García, Michael Barrios, Luis Sánchez, and Mateo Zuleta, while Dayro Moreno spearheaded the attack.
The match officiated by Luis Matorel Martínez was intense, with several players receiving yellow cards for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Looking ahead, Pereira’s next challenge will be against Fortaleza FC as visitors, while Once Caldas is set to host Águilas Doradas Rionegro.
With this victory, Pereira climbs to 7 points, positioning itself in sixth place. Conversely, Once Caldas remains at 1 point, languishing in nineteenth place in the tournament.
Substitutions for Pereira
33’ 1T – Víctor Mejía replaced by Ederson Moreno
45’ 2T – Yuber Quiñones replaced by Omar Albornoz
61’ 2T – Edwin Velasco and Samy Merheg replaced by Gustavo Torres and Marco Pérez respectively
72’ 2T – Darwin Quintero replaced by Yesus Cabrera
Yellow Cards for Pereira
35’ 1T – José Moya (unsportsmanlike conduct)
48’ 1T – Yuber Quiñones (unsportsmanlike conduct)
49’ 1T – Edwin Velasco (unsportsmanlike conduct)
9’ 2T – Kelvin Osorio (unsportsmanlike conduct)
Substitutions for Once Caldas
52’ 2T – Luis Sánchez replaced by Alejandro García
57’ 2T – Jorge Cardona replaced by Juan Castaño
68’ 2T – Michael Barrios, Robert Mejía, and Mateo Zuleta replaced by Felipe Gomez, Iván Rojas, and Déinner Quiñónes respectively
Yellow Cards for Once Caldas
12’ 1T – Jaider Riquett (unsportsmanlike conduct)
17’ 1T – Kevin Tamayo (unsportsmanlike conduct)