In a commanding final of the first division, Junior faced off against Tolima, securing a convincing 3-0 victory. José Enamorado shone brightly, netting two goals in the first half at the 5th and 39th minutes, showcasing his exceptional skills and helping his team solidify their position closer to qualification.
Contributing to Junior’s impressive display, Bryan Castrillón added another goal in the 36th minute, further uplifting the collective performance of the team with a spectacular play.
Enamorado’s standout performance earned him the title of the match’s most valuable player. The Junior midfielder not only scored twice but also tested the opposing goalkeeper with two shots on target.
Guillermo Paiva also drew attention, demonstrating his prowess with two successful passes throughout the match.
At the 17-minute mark, Enamorado electrified the crowd with a brilliant nutmeg on Junior Hernández.
Alfredo Arias, the coach of Junior, fielded a 4-5-1 formation, with Mauro Silveira in goal; Jhomier Guerrero, Jermein Peña, Lucas Monzón, and Yeison Suárez in defense; and Didier Moreno, Jesús Rivas, José Enamorado, Yimmi Chará, and Bryan Castrillón in midfield, while Guillermo Paiva took the front position.
In contrast, Lucas González’s side, Tolima, lined up in a similar 4-5-1 setup, with Neto Volpi guarding the net; Yhormar Hurtado, Marlon Torres, Anderson Angulo, and Junior Hernández in defense; and Juan Pablo Nieto, Brayan Rovira, Jersson González, Kevin Pérez, and Mauricio González in midfield, with Adrián Parra spearheading the attack.
Referee Carlos Betancur Gutiérrez officiated the match at the Metropolitano stadium.
This defeat puts Tolima in a challenging position, as Junior has now gained a significant advantage following the first leg match. The race for qualification continues next Tuesday, December 16.
Junior Substitutions
58’ 2T – Guillermo Paiva was substituted by Teófilo Gutiérrez.
68’ 2T – Jesús Rivas went off for Carlos Esparragoza and Bryan Castrillón was replaced by Joel Canchimbo.
78’ 2T – Didier Moreno was substituted by Fabián Ángel and Yimmi Chará by Steven Rodríguez.
Tolima Substitutions
45’ 2T – Junior Hernández left the field for Samuel Velásquez and Brayan Rovira for Sebastián Guzmán.
62’ 2T – Kevin Pérez was substituted for Juan Pablo Torres.
72’ 2T – Adrián Parra was replaced by Cristian Trujillo.
86’ 2T – Jersson González went off for Ever Valencia.
Cautions in Tolima:
28’ 1T Adrián Parra (Unsportsmanlike conduct) and 49’ 1T Kevin Pérez (Unsportsmanlike conduct).
Red Card in Tolima:
20’ 2T Sebastián Guzmán (Direct red).