The match ended in a stalemate as Cúcuta and Fortaleza FC both secured a point in a gripping encounter in Cucuta. Cúcuta took an early lead with a goal from Luifer Hernández in the 11th minute, but Fortaleza FC equalized with a dramatic goal from Harold Balanta in the 86th minute.
Despite Fortaleza FC outshooting their opponents 22 to 3, they weren’t able to clinch the win. Harold Balanta was undoubtedly the standout player, being pivotal in securing the important equalizer.
Luifer Hernández also played a significant role, contributing to Cúcuta’s early advantage with his goal.
Cúcuta’s manager, Nelson Flórez, employed a 4-3-3 formation, featuring Federico Abadía in goal; a defensive line consisting of Sebastián Rodríguez, Diego Calcaterra, Jhon Quiñónes, and Mauricio Duarte; a midfield trio with Leider Berdugo, Victor Mejia, and Santiago Orozco; and an attack led by Luifer Hernández, Jaime Peralta, and Eduar Arízalas.
On the other side, Sebastián Oliveros arranged Fortaleza FC in a 4-5-1 setup, with Miguel Silva as the goalkeeper; a defense made up of Sebastián Ramírez, Yesid Díaz, Harold Balanta, and Miguel Ángel Pernía; a midfield featuring Leonardo Pico, Kevin Balanta, Julio Sinisterra, Sebastián Navarro, and Andrés Arroyo; and Teun Wilke leading the front.
The referee for this thrilling clash at the Estadio General Santander was Wilmar Roldán Pérez.
Moving forward, Cúcuta will face Águilas Doradas Rionegro in their next fixture, while Fortaleza FC will host América de Cali.
After the match, Cúcuta remains in 15th place with 2 points, while Fortaleza FC sits in 4th with 6 points in the league standings.
Substitutions for Cúcuta
38’ 1T – Leider Berdugo was substituted by Brayan Montaño.
59’ 2T – Eduar Arízalas went off for Jhon Valencia; Luifer Hernández was replaced by Frank Castañeda.
65’ 2T – Santiago Orozco was substituted for Sebastián Támara; Jaime Peralta was taken off for Jonathan Agudelo.
Cautions for Cúcuta:
41’ 1T – Mauricio Duarte (Unsporting behavior); 28’ 2T – Brayan Montaño (Unsporting behavior).
Red Cards in Cúcuta:
15’ 1T – Sebastián Rodríguez (Direct red).
Substitutions for Fortaleza FC
45’ 2T – Miguel Ángel Pernía was replaced by Santiago Cuero; Julio Sinisterra went off for Andy Batioja; Sebastián Ramírez was substituted for Franco Pulicastro.
52’ 2T – Andy Batioja went off for Richardson Rivas.
74’ 2T – Sebastián Navarro was replaced by Andrés Amaya.
Caution for Fortaleza FC:
3’ 2T – Andy Batioja (Unsporting behavior).