The Furia Matecaña triumphed over the Tricolor with a narrow 2-1 victory in their latest fixture of the first division on Sunday. Pereira controlled much of the match, opening the scoring early with Jhon Largacha netting a goal just three minutes into the first half. But, in a swift response, Michael Barrios leveled the score for Once Caldas in the 39th minute through a well-executed play. Despite the equalizer, the home side secured the win with a header from Yesus Cabrera, who scored in the 75th minute of the second half.
Pereira made their mark just three minutes into the game thanks to a brilliant effort from Jhon Largacha, who struck a powerful shot from the edge of the area into the left corner after receiving a pass from Samy Merheg.
The standout player for the match was Yesus Cabrera, who not only scored the winning goal but also contributed significantly to Pereira’s midfield dynamics.
Jhon Largacha was another key performer; he scored once and was impactful in the attacking transitions, testing the opposing goal three times during the match.
Pereira’s coach, Rafael Dudamel, implemented a 4-5-1 formation with Salvador Ichazo in goal; a defensive line comprised of Jordy Monroy, Santiago Aguilar, José Moya, and Edwin Velasco; a midfield including Víctor Mejía, Kelvin Osorio, Jhon Largacha, Darwin Quintero, and Yuber Quiñones; while Samy Merheg led the attack.
Meanwhile, Hernán Herrera’s Once Caldas lined up in a 4-5-1 configuration, with James Aguirre as the goalkeeper; a defense featuring Juan David Cuesta, Jorge Cardona, Jaider Riquett, and Kevin Tamayo; Robert Mejía, Mateo García, Michael Barrios, Luis Sánchez, and Mateo Zuleta in midfield; and Dayro Moreno as the forward.
The match was officiated by referee Luis Matorel Martínez at the Hernán Ramírez Villegas Stadium.
Next up, Pereira will face Fortaleza FC as visitors, while Once Caldas will host Águilas Doradas Rionegro.
With this victory, Pereira now sits in sixth place with 7 points, while Once Caldas remains at the bottom of the table with just 1 point in nineteenth position.
Substitutions for Pereira
33’ 1T – Víctor Mejía was replaced by Ederson Moreno
45’ 2T – Yuber Quiñones was substituted for Omar Albornoz
61’ 2T – Edwin Velasco out for Gustavo Torres and Samy Merheg for Marco Pérez
72’ 2T – Darwin Quintero was taken off for Yesus Cabrera
Yellow Cards for Pereira:
35’ 1T José Moya (Unsporting behavior), 48’ 1T Yuber Quiñones (Unsporting behavior), 49’ 1T Edwin Velasco (Unsporting behavior), and 9’ 2T Kelvin Osorio (Unsporting behavior)
Substitutions for Once Caldas
52’ 2T – Luis Sánchez was replaced by Alejandro García
57’ 2T – Jorge Cardona out for Juan Castaño
68’ 2T – Michael Barrios subbed for Felipe Gomez, Robert Mejía for Iván Rojas, and Mateo Zuleta for Déinner Quiñónes
Yellow Cards for Once Caldas:
12’ 1T Jaider Riquett (Unsporting behavior) and 17’ 1T Kevin Tamayo (Unsporting behavior)