In a thrilling encounter on Tuesday at Estadio Cincuentenario, Bucaramanga suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Águilas Doradas Rionegro. The match marked the seventh round of the Colombian league season. The game started off badly for Bucaramanga as Joaquín Varela opened the scoring for the visitors with a header in the 13th minute of the first half.
However, Bucaramanga fought back and found the equalizer when Luciano Pons scored in the 51st minute, bringing hope to the home fans. Nevertheless, disaster struck at the 89th minute when Javier Mena executed a brilliant play to net the winning goal for Águilas Doradas.
Despite dominating with 17 attempts on goal, of which 8 were on target and 8 off target, Bucaramanga could not convert their chances into goals, ultimately leading to their defeat.
Javier Mena was the standout performer, earning the title of ‘Man of the Match’ with his decisive goal. Additionally, Joaquín Varela was instrumental in defense, not only scoring but also making crucial clearances throughout the game.
Coach Juan Niño set up Águilas Doradas in a 3-5-2 formation, featuring Andrés Salazar in the goal; Diego Hernández, John García, and Joaquín Varela in defense; with Javier Mena, Frank Lozano, and others in the midfield; and Juan Ávalo and Jorge Rivaldo leading the attack.
Bucaramanga, on the other hand, led by Leonel Álvarez, opted for a 4-5-1 formation, featuring Luis Vásquez as the goalkeeper and a defensive line comprising Aldair Gutiérrez, Carlos Romaña, Jefferson Mena, and Carlos de las Salas.
The match was officiated by referee Jonathan Ortiz Tonguino.
Looking ahead, Águilas Doradas will next face Junior, while Bucaramanga will host Boyacá Chicó. Currently, Águilas Doradas sits in 12th position with 19 points, while Bucaramanga is in 8th place with 22 points.
Substitutions for Águilas Doradas Rionegro
54’ 2T – Juan Ávalo was replaced by Fabián Charales, and Dylan Lozano came off for Alberto Higgins.
Yellow Cards for Águilas Doradas Rionegro:
40’ 1T – Diego Hernández (Unsporting behavior), 13’ 2T – Hernán Lópes (Dissenting with an opponent), 15’ 2T – Fabián Charales (Unsporting behavior), and 35’ 2T – Andrés Álvarez (Unsporting behavior).
Substitutions for Bucaramanga
45’ 2T – Aldair Zárate was substituted for Leonardo Flores, Juan Mosquera for Emerson Batalla, and Diego Hernández for Hernán Lópes. 61’ 2T – Jhon Fredy Salazar was replaced by Faber Gil Mosquera. 77’ 2T – Kevin Londoño exited for Brandon Caicedo. 78’ 2T – Carlos de las Salas was substituted by José García, Andrés Ricaurte for Jorge Obregón, and Jorge Rivaldo for Andrés Álvarez.
Yellow Cards for Bucaramanga:
37’ 1T – Carlos de las Salas (Insulting or disapproving of the referee), and 12’ 2T – Luciano Pons (Insulting or disapproving of the referee).