In the fourth round of Group B in the first division, Bucaramanga showcased a strong performance by defeating Fortaleza FC on Saturday at the Metropolitano de Techo stadium. The match began with Luciano Pons scoring the first goal for Bucaramanga at the 26th minute of the first half. Later, Fabián Sambueza sealed the victory with a goal in the 29th minute of the second half, capitalizing on a perfect assist from Pons.
A highlight of the game was Sambueza’s clinical finish at the 74th minute, where he took a powerful shot from the penalty area, leaving the opposing goalkeeper with no chance to react.
Fortaleza had a moment of near success when Faber Gil Mosquera hit the post in the 85th minute, missing a pivotal chance to increase their chances of recovery.
The standout player of the match was undoubtedly Fabián Sambueza, who not only scored but also attempted six shots, putting pressure on the Fortaleza defense. Luciano Pons also made a significant contribution with his goal and assist.
Fortaleza FC’s coach, Sebastián Oliveros, set up his team in a 3-4-3 formation with Jordan Garcia in goal; Yesid Díaz, Luis Escorcia, and Harold Balanta in defense; Jonathan Marulanda, Sebastián Ramírez, Andrés Ricaurte, and Sebastián Valencia in midfield; and Andrés Arroyo, Emilio Aristizábal, and Jhoiner Salas leading the attack.
Conversely, Bucaramanga, managed by Leonel Álvarez, employed a 4-5-1 strategy with Aldair Quintana defending the goal; a backline of Aldair Gutiérrez, Jefferson Mena, Carlos Henao, and Carlos de las Salas; a midfield consisting of Leonardo Flores, Aldair Zárate, Fabián Sambueza, Juan Mosquera, and Kevin Londoño; with Luciano Pons as the lone striker.
Referee Alejandro Moncada Sánchez officiated the match and issued multiple cards throughout the game, including two red cards to Fortaleza FC’s Luis Escorcia and Jonathan Marulanda in the first half.
In the upcoming fixtures, Fortaleza FC will host Santa Fe, while Bucaramanga is set to face Tolima at Estadio Américo Montanini.
Substitutions for Fortaleza FC:
19’ 1T – Jhoiner Salas out for Kevin Balanta
45’ 2T – Andrés Arroyo out for Cristian Mosquera
62’ 2T – Andrés Ricaurte out for Santiago Cuero
76’ 2T – Emilio Aristizábal out for Jhon Martínez and Sebastián Ramírez out for Ronaldo Pájaro
Yellow cards for Fortaleza FC:
30’ 1T Jonathan Marulanda (insulting or disapproving the referee),
37’ 1T Kevin Balanta (unsporting behavior),
20’ 2T Santiago Cuero (holding an opponent to prevent advancement),
43’ 2T Sebastián Valencia (unsporting behavior)
Red cards for Fortaleza FC:
13’ 1T Luis Escorcia (straight red),
42’ 1T Jonathan Marulanda (red for second yellow)
Substitutions for Bucaramanga:
59’ 2T – Carlos de las Salas out for Neyder Moreno
71’ 2T – Kevin Londoño out for José García
72’ 2T – Leonardo Flores out for Faber Gil Mosquera
79’ 2T – Aldair Zárate out for Felix Charrupí
Yellow cards for Bucaramanga:
24’ 1T Juan Mosquera (unsporting behavior),
44’ 1T Faber Gil Mosquera (insulting or disapproving the referee),
32’ 2T Aldair Gutiérrez (unsporting behavior)
Red card for Bucaramanga:
35’ 2T Aldair Gutiérrez (red for second yellow)