Last night, the Estadio Américo Montanini hosted an exhilarating match as Bucaramanga faced off against Fortaleza FC in the third round of Group B, resulting in a narrow victory for the visitors at 2-1. The opening goal came from Emilio Aristizábal in the 32nd minute, who capitalized on a brilliant play to give Fortaleza the lead. However, Bucaramanga bounced back when Fabián Sambueza equalized in the 60th minute after a well-executed move.
As the game approached its conclusion, Fortaleza refused to back down, maintaining relentless pressure. The decisive moment arrived in the 88th minute when Sebastián Ramírez leaped to score with a header, sealing the match at 2-1.
Both teams had moments when the woodwork came to their rescue, with Faber Gil Mosquera of Bucaramanga and Emilio Aristizábal from Fortaleza each hitting the post with powerful shots.
Highly impactful in the match, Sebastián Ramírez was the standout player, netting one goal and threatening the opposition’s goal with three attempts. Likewise, Emilio Aristizábal also showcased his skills, contributing one goal and making three shots on target.
Bucaramanga’s coach, Leonel Álvarez, deployed a 4-5-1 formation with Aldair Quintana guarding the net, supported by a defense comprising Aldair Gutiérrez, Jefferson Mena, Carlos Henao, and Carlos de las Salas. The midfield boasted Gustavo Charrupi, Aldair Zárate, Faber Gil Mosquera, Fabián Sambueza, and Kevin Londoño, while Luciano Pons led the offense.
On the other side, coach Sebastián Oliveros set Fortaleza FC up in a 5-4-1 formation, with Jordan Garcia in goal; Jonathan Marulanda, Yesid Díaz, Luis Escorcia, Harold Balanta, and Sebastián Valencia in defense; and a midfield trio featuring Andrés Arroyo, Andrés Ricaurte, and Jhoiner Salas, complemented by forward Emilio Aristizábal.
The match was officiated by referee Carlos Ortega Jaimes.
Looking ahead, Bucaramanga will aim for redemption as they visit Fortaleza FC in the upcoming fixture, while Fortaleza will enjoy the comforts of home in their next encounter against Bucaramanga.
Substitutions for Bucaramanga
45’ 2T – Gustavo Charrupi for Leonardo Flores, Faber Gil Mosquera for Juan Mosquera
72’ 2T – Kevin Londoño for Jhon Vásquez
79’ 2T – Aldair Zárate for Felix Charrupí, Emilio Aristizábal for Jhon Martínez, Andrés Arroyo for Kelvin Flórez
86’ 2T – Carlos de las Salas for Gleyfer Medina
Yellow Card for Bucaramanga:
19’ 2T – Aldair Zárate (Unsportsmanlike Conduct)
Substitutions for Fortaleza FC
67’ 2T – Jhoiner Salas for Santiago Cuero
85’ 2T – Harold Balanta for Ronaldo Pájaro
Yellow Card for Fortaleza FC:
25’ 2T – Jonathan Marulanda (Unsportsmanlike Conduct)