In a closely contested match, the Red Devils triumphed over the Mountain Power by a score of 2-1 in the third round of Group A. The breakthrough came at the 18th minute when Jhon Palacios found the back of the net, giving América de Cali the lead. However, Independiente Medellín quickly responded with a goal from Brayan León in the 64th minute, leveling the game momentarily. The decisive goal for América was scored by Adrián Ramos in the 39th minute, sealing the win for the home side.
Fifteen minutes into the first half, Independiente Medellín had a near miss when Daniel Londoño’s shot rattled the goalpost, denying them an early celebration.
Adrián Ramos was undoubtedly the standout performer of the match, showcasing his prowess with a goal to his name. Jhon Palacios also had a remarkable day, contributing with a goal and three shots on target.
América’s coach, David González, set up his team in a 4-3-3 formation, featuring Jorge Soto in goal; defenders Mateo Castillo, Andrés Mosquera, Jean Pestaña, and Omar Bertel; a midfield trio of Josen Escobar, Sebastián Navarro, and Jan Lucumi; and an attacking line of Cristian Barrios, Yojan Garcés, and Jhon Palacios.
On the other side, Independiente Medellín’s coach Alejandro Restrepo deployed a 3-4-3 lineup with Washington Aguerre guarding the nets; Leyser Chaverra, Kevin Mantilla, and Daniel Londoño in defense; Esneyder Mena, Jaime Alvarado, Leider Berrío, and Juan David Arizala in midfield; and Diego Moreno, Brayan León, and Francisco Fydriszewski up front.
The match was officiated by referee Carlos Márquez Ortega at the Olímpico Pascual Guerrero stadium.
In their upcoming fixture, the Red Devils will face Independiente Medellín in an away match, while the Mountain Power will host América de Cali.
Substitutions for América de Cali
56’ 2T – Yojan Garcés made way for Adrián Ramos and Jan Lucumi was substituted by Marcos Mina.
74’ 2T – Omar Bertel was replaced by Nicolás Hernández, and Jhon Palacios was substituted for Joel Romero.
84’ 2T – Sebastián Navarro left the field for Kevin Angulo.
Yellow Cards for América de Cali:
1’ 1T Yojan Garcés (Unsporting behavior), 24’ 2T Marcos Mina (Insulting or disputing the referee), 33’ 2T Cristian Barrios (Unsporting behavior), 38’ 2T Nicolás Hernández (Unsporting behavior), and 45’ 2T Jorge Soto (Delaying the game).
Substitutions for Independiente Medellín
45’ 2T – Diego Moreno was replaced by Jarlan Barrera, Juan David Arizala for Francisco Chaverra, and Leider Berrío for Baldomero Perlaza.
82’ 2T – Francisco Fydriszewski was substituted for Fáiner Torijano.
88’ 2T – Jaime Alvarado left the game for Luis Sandoval.
Yellow Cards for Independiente Medellín:
45’ 1T Luis Sandoval (Insulting or disputing the referee), 26’ 2T Kevin Mantilla (Unsporting behavior), 49’ 2T Baldomero Perlaza (Unsporting behavior), and 50’ 2T Leyser Chaverra (Insulting or disputing the referee).
Red Card for Independiente Medellín:
35’ 2T Kevin Mantilla (Red card for double yellow).