In a thrilling encounter at the Atanasio Girardot Stadium, Independiente Medellín turned the tide against Fortaleza FC, securing a 3-1 win in the 16th round of the Colombian top division. Fortaleza FC took an unexpected lead just a minute into the match when Andrés Arroyo found the back of the net after receiving a precise pass from Andrés Ricaurte. Arroyo’s powerful shot hit the left post and bounced in, giving the visitors an early advantage.
However, the resolve of Medellín, under the direction of coach Alejandro Restrepo, led to a remarkable comeback. After leveling the score through Francisco Fydriszewski in the 25th minute of the first half, Medellín intensified their attack. Brayan León and Francisco Chaverra added two more goals in the second half, at 54 and 61 minutes respectively, effectively sealing the match.
Brayan León was undoubtedly the standout performer, earning the title of man of the match. He not only scored once but also recorded two shots on target and completed two key passes. Esneyder Mena also played a critical role, making three attempts to score throughout the match.
The tactical setup was pivotal; Medellín deployed a 3-5-2 formation with Washington Aguerre as their goalkeeper, supported by Leyser Chaverra, José Ortiz, and Daniel Londoño in defense. The midfield comprised Esneyder Mena, Baldomero Perlaza, Halam Loboa, Francisco Chaverra, and Jarlan Barrera, while Brayan León and Francisco Fydriszewski led the attack.
Fortaleza FC, guided by Sebastián Oliveros, chose a 4-5-1 formation. Cristian Santander guarded the net, with defense held by Jonathan Marulanda, Harold Balanta, Luis Escorcia, and Sebastián Valencia. Their midfield featured Yesid Díaz, Sebastián Ramírez, Andrés Arroyo, Andrés Ricaurte, and Jhon Velásquez, with Jhoiner Salas in the forward position.
The match, officiated by referee Edwin Trujillo Castro, sets the stage for both teams’ upcoming fixtures. Independiente Medellín will next face Santa Fe, while Fortaleza FC will host Pasto. Notably, Medellín’s victory places them in second with 30 points, closely trailing their rivals who have accumulated 28 points, putting them at fourth place in the standings.
Substitutions for Independiente Medellín
83’ – Brayan León for Leider Berrío; Baldomero Perlaza for Alexis Serna
91’ – Jarlan Barrera for Jader Valencia
Bookings for Independiente Medellín:
6’ – Francisco Chaverra (Unsporting behavior); 42’ – Leider Berrío (Unsporting behavior)
Substitutions for Fortaleza FC
65’ – Luis Escorcia for Cristian Mosquera; 66’ – Jhon Velásquez for Santiago Cuero; 76’ – Jhoiner Salas for Santiago Córdoba; Francisco Fydriszewski for Mender García; 85’ – Andrés Ricaurte for Ronaldo Pájaro
Bookings for Fortaleza FC:
16’ – Jhoiner Salas (Unsporting behavior); 36’ – Jonathan Marulanda (Unsporting behavior)