In the first match of Group B in the top division, Bucaramanga played host to Santa Fe at the Américo Montanini Stadium, clinching a narrow 1-0 victory. The only goal of the match came in the 15th minute, when Luciano Pons scored for the home side.
After receiving a corner from Fabián Sambueza, the forward managed to get the upper hand in the penalty area and headed the ball into the net.
Santa Fe faced a tough defeat, despite creating more goal-scoring opportunities than their opponents, with 20 attempts compared to Bucaramanga’s 7 on target but failed to convert.
Luciano Pons was the standout performer, showcasing his skills with a goal and two shots on target. Fabián Sambueza also had a commendable performance, with two attempts of his own.
Bucaramanga’s coach, Leonel Álvarez, deployed a tactical setup of 4-5-1 with Aldair Quintana in goal; Aldair Gutiérrez, Jefferson Mena, Carlos Henao, and Carlos de las Salas in defense; Gustavo Charrupi, Aldair Zárate, Faber Gil Mosquera, Fabián Sambueza, and Kevin Londoño comprising the midfield; and Luciano Pons leading the attack.
On the other side, Santa Fe, managed by Francisco López, set up in a 5-3-2 formation with Andrés Mosquera guarding the goal; Elvis Perlaza, Víctor Moreno, Emanuel Olivera, Joaquín Sosa, and Christian Mafla in defense; Jhojan Torres, Daniel Torres, and Yilmar Velásquez in midfield; and Hugo Rodallega and Santiago Mosquera up front.
The match was officiated by referee Luis Delgado Hurtado.
In their next fixtures, Bucaramanga will travel to Tolima while Santa Fe will face Fortaleza FC at home.
Substitutions for Bucaramanga
45’ 2T – Faber Gil Mosquera off for Carlos Romaña, Elvis Perlaza off for Edwar López. 85’ 2T – Luciano Pons off for Gleyfer Medina, Fabián Sambueza off for Leonardo Flores, Kevin Londoño off for Neyder Moreno.
Yellow Cards for Bucaramanga
8’ 2T Aldair Zárate (unsporting behavior), 37’ 2T Carlos Henao (unsporting behavior), 47’ 2T Aldair Quintana (delaying the game), 48’ 2T Jefferson Mena (arguing with a rival), 48’ 2T Luis Vásquez (insulting or disapproving the referee), 49’ 2T Luciano Pons and 50’ 2T Neyder Moreno (arguing with a rival).
Red Card for Bucaramanga
41’ 1T Gustavo Charrupi (straight red).
Substitutions for Santa Fe
65’ 2T – Víctor Moreno off for Jeison Angulo. 76’ 2T – Christian Mafla off for Ángelo Rodríguez. 77’ 2T – Joaquín Sosa off for Iván Scarpeta and Yilmar Velásquez off for Marcelo Meli.
Yellow Cards for Santa Fe
16’ 2T Yilmar Velásquez (unsporting behavior) and 49’ 2T Emanuel Olivera (arguing with a rival).