In an intense match that unfolded at the Templo Sagrado stadium, Tolima faced a challenging game against Independiente Medellín, eventually losing 3-2. Mauricio González emerged as a standout player for the Vinotinto y Oro, scoring two goals in the first half (8’ and 40’), but his efforts were overshadowed by a resilient performance from the visiting team.
Independiente Medellín, led by coach Alejandro Restrepo, showed great determination to turn the game around, with Leider Berrío netting two goals and Mender García adding another at the start of the second half (3’ 2T). Berrío’s penalty goal at the 53rd minute was a crucial moment in the match.
A critical near miss for Medellín saw Brayan León’s effort hit the post in the second half, which could have leveled the score, but they maintained composure to hold onto their lead.
Leider Berrío’s stellar display earned him the title of man of the match, while Gonzalez’s impressive outing marked him as a key player for Tolima. Both players took multiple shots at goal, with González attempting three and Berrío firing two.
Tolima’s setup, under coach Lucas González, was a 4-5-1 formation, featuring Cristopher Fiermarín as the goalkeeper, supported by a defense of Yhormar Hurtado, Marlon Torres, Anderson Angulo, and Junior Hernández. The midfield consisted of Juan Pablo Nieto, Brayan Rovira, Kevin Pérez, Juan Pablo Torres, and the prolific Mauricio González, with Gonzalo Lencina leading the attack.
Medellín adopted a 3-5-2 formation with Éder Chaux in goal and a defensive trio of Jhon Palacios, José Ortiz, and Daniel Londoño, complemented by a midfield that included Esneyder Mena, Leider Berrío, Halam Loboa, Alexis Serna, and Jader Valencia, with Mender García and Brayan León upfront.
Héctor Rivera González officiated the match. With this result, Independiente Medellín now accumulates 24 points, placing them in second, while Tolima remains at 20 points, sitting in sixth position.
Looking ahead, Tolima will next face Junior away, while Independiente Medellín will host Santa Fe in their upcoming matches.
Substitutions for Tolima
66’ 2T – Juan Pablo Nieto was replaced by Cristian Trujillo and Gonzalo Lencina by Bruno Larregui.
72’ 2T – Juan Pablo Torres exited for Adrián Parra.
86’ 2T – Brayan Rovira was substituted for Sebastián Guzmán.
Cautions for Tolima:
31’ 1T Gonzalo Lencina (Insulting or disapproving of the referee), 51’ 1T Cristopher Fiermarín (Unsporting behavior), 14’ 2T Juan José Mera (Unsporting behavior), and 36’ 2T Bruno Larregui (Arguing with an opponent).
Substitutions for Independiente Medellín
45’ 2T – Esneyder Mena was replaced by Leyser Chaverra, José Ortiz by Jarlan Barrera, and Marlon Torres by Juan José Mera.
77’ 2T – Leider Berrío left the pitch for Baldomero Perlaza and Jader Valencia for Francisco Chaverra.
92’ 2T – Brayan León was substituted for Nezareth Segura.
Yellow card for Independiente Medellín:
36’ 2T Alexis Serna (Unsporting behavior).