In the fifth round of Group A in the Primera División, Tolima faced a tough defeat against Independiente Medellín, falling 2-1 at the Atanasio Girardot Stadium. The match was a closely contested affair, with either team having the potential to claim victory.
Leider Berrío opened the scoring for Medellín in the 18th minute with a splendid play, putting his team ahead early on. However, Tolima responded with a goal by Gonzalo Lencina in the 70th minute, giving them hopes of a comeback. Just when it seemed that the match might end in a draw, Juan David Arizala netted the winning goal for Medellín in the 93rd minute, sealing the win 2-1.
Arizala was the standout player of the match, showcasing his skills by scoring the decisive goal. Meanwhile, Berrío was also crucial, contributing with a goal and registering three shots on target.
The head coach for Independiente Medellín, Alejandro Restrepo, employed a 3-6-1 formation, which featured goalkeeper Washington Aguerre, a defensive line composed of Jhon Palacios, José Ortiz, and Daniel Londoño, plus midfielders Francisco Chaverra, Homer Martínez, Baldomero Perlaza, Yeferson Rodallega, Brayan León, and Leider Berrío. Upfront was Francisco Fydriszewski.
On the other hand, Tolima, managed by Ismael Rescalvo, set up in a 4-4-2 formation with Cristopher Fiermarín as the goalkeeper, supported by defenders Yhormar Hurtado, Marlon Torres, Anderson Angulo, and Junior Hernández. The midfield comprised Jersson González, Brayan Rovira, Juan Pablo Nieto, and Álex Castro, while Adrián Parra and Gustavo Ramírez led the attack.
Referee Andrés Rojas Noguera officiated the match.
Looking ahead, Independiente Medellín will face América de Cali in their next match, while Tolima will host Junior.
Substitutions in Independiente Medellín
58’ 2T – Leider Berrío was replaced by Jaime Alvarado
67’ 2T – Brayan León was substituted for Luis Sandoval
68’ 2T – Homer Martínez was replaced by Diego Moreno and Gustavo Ramírez came off for Gonzalo Lencina
76’ 2T – Francisco Chaverra was substituted for Juan David Arizala
Yellow cards for Independiente Medellín:
29’ 1T Brayan León (Unsportsmanlike conduct), 30’ 1T Washington Aguerre (Unsportsmanlike conduct), 17’ 2T Francisco Fydriszewski (Unsportsmanlike conduct)
Substitutions in Tolima
75’ 2T – Jersson González was replaced by Kevin Pérez and Francisco Fydriszewski came off for Marcus Vinicius
83’ 2T – Junior Hernández was substituted for Cristian Arrieta and Juan Pablo Nieto was replaced by Cristian Trujillo
Yellow cards for Tolima:
25’ 1T Junior Hernández (Unsportsmanlike conduct), 29’ 1T Anderson Angulo (Unsportsmanlike conduct), 44’ 1T Adrián Parra (Unsportsmanlike conduct), 31’ 2T Gonzalo Lencina (Unsportsmanlike conduct), and 47’ 2T Marlon Torres (Unsportsmanlike conduct)