In a decisive encounter during the 19th round of the first division, Tolima triumphed over Llaneros FC with a score of 3-1 at their home ground, Estadio El Templo Sagrado. The Vinotinto y Oro opened the scoring early, with Junior Hernández finding the net in just the 2nd minute. Adrián Parra extended the lead with a well-placed shot in the 33rd minute of the first half. Although Carlos Sierra managed to reduce the deficit for Llaneros FC with a fine shot in the 78th minute, it was not enough to change the outcome, as Jader Quiñónes sealed the victory for Tolima with a goal in the 89th minute.
Juan Pablo Torres came close to increasing the score for Tolima in the second half, hitting the post just minutes after the restart.
The standout player of the match was undoubtedly Junior Hernández, who not only contributed defensively but also scored a crucial goal for his team. Juan Pablo Torres also had a significant impact, trying to reach the goal with four attempts throughout the match.
Tolima’s coach, Lucas González, opted for a 4-5-1 formation, featuring Cristopher Fiermarín in goal; Yhormar Hurtado, Anderson Angulo, Juan José Mera, and Junior Hernández in defense; and a midfield of Juan Pablo Nieto, Sebastián Guzmán, Yoimar Moreno, Juan Pablo Torres, and Mauricio González, with Adrián Parra in the attack.
On the other hand, Llaneros FC’s manager, José Luis García, set up his team in a similar 4-5-1 formation, with Miguel Ortega standing behind the goal; Anderson Mojica, Howell Mena, Francisco Meza, and Jhojan Escobar forming the defense; Eyder Restrepo, Marlon Sierra, Julian Ángulo, Luis Miranda, and Daniel Mantilla in midfield, and Carlos Cortés leading the attack.
The match was officiated by referee Andrés Rojas Noguera.
Looking ahead to the next round, Tolima will face off against Águilas Doradas Rionegro in an away game, while Llaneros FC will host Envigado. With one match left in this phase, both teams still have a chance to qualify for the next round. Tolima currently stands second with 35 points, having secured 11 wins, while Llaneros FC is in 11th place with 25 points from 7 victories.
Substitutions for Tolima
68’ – Juan Pablo Torres out for Jader Quiñónes, Adrián Parra out for Gonzalo Lencina.
75’ – Mauricio González out for Ever Valencia, Yhormar Hurtado out for Cristian Arrieta.
83’ – Yoimar Moreno out for Samuel Velásquez.
Yellow Cards for Tolima:
13’ Juan José Mera (Unsporting behavior), 31’ Anderson Angulo (Unsporting behavior), 25’ Yhormar Hurtado (Unsporting behavior), 30’ Jader Quiñónes (Unsporting behavior).
Substitutions for Llaneros FC
45’ – Daniel Mantilla out for Bryan Urueña, Eyder Restrepo out for Carlos Sierra.
67’ – Anderson Mojica out for Brian Benítez, Marlon Sierra out for Michael Rangel.
82’ – Julian Ángulo out for Erik Bodencer.
Yellow Cards for Llaneros FC:
24’ Brian Benítez (Unsporting behavior), 25’ Francisco Meza (Unsporting behavior).