Last night, the match between Cúcuta and Fortaleza FC ended in a hard-fought 1-1 draw at the General Santander stadium. Cúcuta initially took the lead with a goal from Luifer Hernández in the 11th minute of the first half.
However, it was Harold Balanta who leveled the match for Fortaleza FC with a pivotal goal in the 86th minute of the second half, securing a much-needed point for his team.
Despite Fortaleza FC dominating the shot count with 22 attempts to Cúcuta’s 3, they were unable to secure the victory, a fact that highlighted the effectiveness of Cúcuta’s defense.
Balanta’s performance was crucial as he was not only the defensive pillar but also the player who turned the tide of the match with his late equalizer. Luifer Hernández also shone for Cúcuta with his early goal.
Cúcuta’s coach, Nelson Flórez, employed a 4-3-3 formation with Federico Abadía in goal; Sebastián Rodríguez, Diego Calcaterra, Jhon Quiñónes, and Mauricio Duarte in defense; Leider Berdugo, Victor Mejia, and Santiago Orozco in midfield; and Luifer Hernández, Jaime Peralta, and Eduar Arízalas leading the attack.
On the other hand, Sebastián Oliveros arranged Fortaleza FC in a 4-5-1 formation, featuring Miguel Silva in goal; Sebastián Ramírez, Yesid Díaz, Harold Balanta, and Miguel Ángel Pernía in defense; Leonardo Pico, Kevin Balanta, Julio Sinisterra, Sebastián Navarro, and Andrés Arroyo in midfield; and Teun Wilke as the lone striker.
Wilmar Roldán Pérez officiated the match at the General Santander stadium.
Looking ahead, Cúcuta will face Águilas Doradas Rionegro in their next outing, while Fortaleza FC will play at home against América de Cali.
The conclusion of the match leaves Cúcuta with 2 points, positioned 15th on the table, while Fortaleza FC sits in 4th place with 6 points in the tournament.
Substitutions for Cúcuta
38’ 1T – Leider Berdugo out for Brayan Montaño
59’ 2T – Eduar Arízalas out for Jhon Valencia and Luifer Hernández out for Frank Castañeda
65’ 2T – Santiago Orozco out for Sebastián Támara and Jaime Peralta out for Jonathan Agudelo
Yellow cards for Cúcuta:
41’ 1T Mauricio Duarte (Unsporting behavior) and 28’ 2T Brayan Montaño (Unsporting behavior)
Red card for Cúcuta:
15’ 1T Sebastián Rodríguez (Direct red)
Substitutions for Fortaleza FC
45’ 2T – Miguel Ángel Pernía out for Santiago Cuero, Julio Sinisterra out for Andy Batioja, and Sebastián Ramírez out for Franco Pulicastro
52’ 2T – Andy Batioja out for Richardson Rivas
74’ 2T – Sebastián Navarro out for Andrés Amaya
Yellow card for Fortaleza FC:
3’ 2T Andy Batioja (Unsporting behavior)