The Estadio Américo Montanini hosted a fierce battle as Bucaramanga faced off against Fortaleza FC in the third match of Group B, resulting in a hard-fought victory for the visitors, who came away with a score of 2-1. Emilio Aristizábal opened the scoring for Fortaleza FC just 32 minutes into the first half with a brilliant play that found the back of the net.
Bucaramanga responded well and equalized through Fabián Sambueza in the 60th minute, showcasing their determination. However, Fortaleza FC refused to back down, applying relentless pressure, which paid off when Sebastián Ramírez scored a header in the 88th minute, sealing the game with a final score of 2-1.
The goalposts were the saviors for both sides at crucial moments, with near misses from Faber Gil Mosquera for Bucaramanga and Emilio Aristizábal for Fortaleza FC.
Sebastián Ramírez stood out as the standout player of the match, contributing significantly with one goal and three attempts on target. Emilio Aristizábal also had a notable performance, netting one goal and taking three shots aimed at the goal.
Bucaramanga’s manager, Leonel Álvarez, lined his team up in a 4-5-1 formation featuring Aldair Quintana in goal, with defenders Aldair Gutiérrez, Jefferson Mena, Carlos Henao, and Carlos de las Salas. The midfield consisted of Gustavo Charrupi, Aldair Zárate, Faber Gil Mosquera, Fabián Sambueza, and Kevin Londoño, while Luciano Pons led the attack.
Fortaleza FC’s coach, Sebastián Oliveros, opted for a 5-4-1 strategy, putting Jordan Garcia between the posts and fielding Jonathan Marulanda, Yesid Díaz, Luis Escorcia, Harold Balanta, and Sebastián Valencia at the back. The midfield comprised Andrés Arroyo, Andrés Ricaurte, Sebastián Ramírez, and Jhoiner Salas, with Emilio Aristizábal as the forward.
The referee Carlos Ortega Jaimes officiated the match at Estadio Américo Montanini.
In the upcoming fixtures, Bucaramanga will face Fortaleza FC away, while Fortaleza FC will host Bucaramanga for the return match.
Substitutions for Bucaramanga
45’ 2T – Gustavo Charrupi out for Leonardo Flores, Faber Gil Mosquera out for Juan Mosquera.
72’ 2T – Kevin Londoño out for Jhon Vásquez.
79’ 2T – Aldair Zárate out for Felix Charrupí, Emilio Aristizábal out for Jhon Martínez, Andrés Arroyo out for Kelvin Flórez.
86’ 2T – Carlos de las Salas out for Gleyfer Medina.
Yellow Card for Bucaramanga:
19’ 2T – Aldair Zárate (Unsporting behavior).
Substitutions for Fortaleza FC
67’ 2T – Jhoiner Salas out for Santiago Cuero.
85’ 2T – Harold Balanta out for Ronaldo Pájaro.
Yellow Card for Fortaleza FC:
25’ 2T – Jonathan Marulanda (Unsporting behavior).