The Red Devils showcased their strength at home, taking down U. Magdalena decisively in one of the matches of the 19th round. Jhon Palacios opened the scoring early with a powerful shot that found the back of the net in the 2nd minute of the first half. Just 20 minutes later, Luis Ramos doubled the advantage with a well-placed header. Cristian Barrios followed suit, scoring the third goal just four minutes later with a smooth execution from a play, making it 3-0 at the 26-minute mark.
U. Magdalena missed a golden chance to equalize when Ricardo Márquez failed to convert a penalty awarded in the 10th minute of the first half.
América’s goalkeeper, Jorge Soto, put on an impressive display, saving six shots and ensuring a clean sheet for his team. Cristian Barrios also stood out, netting one goal and attempting four shots throughout the match.
Jhon Palacios demonstrated his skill with a clever nutmeg on defender Jhon Lerma at the 22-minute mark of the first half.
América’s manager, Alexander Escobar, set up his side in a 4-3-3 formation with Jorge Soto in goal; Mateo Castillo, Andrés Mosquera, Jean Pestaña, and Omar Bertel forming the defense; José Cavadía, Rafael Carrascal, and Andrés Roa in midfield; and Cristian Barrios, Jhon Palacios, and Luis Ramos leading the attack.
On the other side, U. Magdalena, managed by Carlos Silva, lined up in a 4-4-2 formation with Manuel Tasso in goal; Jhon Lerma, Nicolás Ramos, Freddy Molina, and Juan José Tello in defense; Fabián Cantillo, José Mercado, Roberto Hinojoza, and Jannenson Sarmiento in midfield; and Ricardo Márquez and Cristian Iguarán upfront.
Match referee Steven Camargo Abril ensured fair play throughout the game.
Looking ahead, América de Cali will face Independiente Medellín in their next outing, while U. Magdalena will host Fortaleza FC.
With one match left in this stage, América de Cali sits in seventh place in the standings with 29 points and eight victories, inching closer to qualification. Meanwhile, U. Magdalena remains in 15th place and faces relegation with only 18 points and five wins.
Substitutions for América de Cali
47’ 2T – Andrés Roa off, Dylan Borrero on
62’ 2T – Luis Ramos off, Adrián Ramos on
83’ 2T – Mateo Castillo off, Joel Romero on
Substitutions for U. Magdalena
45’ 2T – Cristian Iguarán off, David Murillo on; Cristian Barrios off, Jan Lucumi on; Ricardo Márquez off, Misael Martínez on
74’ 2T – Roberto Hinojoza off, José Pérez on; José Mercado off, Juan Giraldo on; Jhon Palacios off, Yojan Garcés on
Yellow Cards for U. Magdalena:
44’ 1T – Cristian Iguarán (Holding an opponent to prevent an advance)
12’ 2T – Fabián Cantillo (Unsporting behavior)