In an exhilarating match at the Hernán Ramírez Villegas Stadium, Pereira and U. Magdalena drew 2-2 in the 13th round of the Colombian first division.
The game kicked off with a bang as Pereira took an early lead just four minutes into the first half, thanks to a goal from Jhon Largacha. However, U. Magdalena responded fiercely, leveling the score in the 33rd minute through a strike from Héctor Urrego. After the halftime break, Fabián Cantillo gave U. Magdalena a brief advantage in the 64th minute. Yet, the home team rallied back again, with Samy Merheg scoring the equalizer in the 78th minute.
Héctor Urrego was undoubtedly the standout player of the match, being instrumental for U. Magdalena by scoring a goal and making 11 critical clearances from the defensive area.
Additionally, Samy Merheg made significant contributions for Pereira, not only scoring a goal but also attempting three shots on target.
Pereira’s coach, Rafael Dudamel, opted for a 4-5-1 formation featuring Salvador Ichazo in goal, with a defense line comprising Jordy Monroy, Juan Quintero, José Moya, and Edwin Velasco. The midfield saw Kelvin Osorio, Juan Ríos, Jhon Largacha, Darwin Quintero, and Yuber Quiñones, with Samy Merheg leading the attack.
On the other side, U. Magdalena, managed by Carlos Silva, employed a 4-4-2 setup with Joaquín Mattalía as the goalkeeper; Freddy Molina, Héctor Urrego, Nicolás Ramos, and Juan José Tello in defense; while Jhon Lerma, Fabián Cantillo, José Mercado, and Jannenson Sarmiento made up the midfield. Up front, Ricardo Márquez and Cristian Iguarán formed the attacking duo.
The match was officiated by referee Luis Delgado Hurtado.
Looking ahead, Pereira will visit Deportivo Cali in their next fixture, whereas U. Magdalena will face Águilas Doradas Rionegro at home.
Following this match, Pereira now stands at 15 points, placing them 12th in the standings, while U. Magdalena sits 16th with 12 points.
Substitutions for Pereira
45’ 2T – Kelvin Osorio was substituted for Yesus Cabrera
59’ 2T – Yuber Quiñones was replaced by Adrián Estacio
68’ 2T – Jhon Largacha off for Gustavo Torres and Juan Ríos for Víctor Mejía
84’ 2T – Edwin Velasco came off for Omar Albornoz
Bookings for Pereira:
40’ 1T – Juan Ríos (unsporting behavior)
47’ 2T – Yuber Quiñones (unsporting behavior)
36’ 2T – Yesus Cabrera (unsporting behavior)
Substitutions for U. Magdalena
77’ 2T – Cristian Iguarán was substituted by Jimmy Congo
85’ 2T – Juan José Tello off for Dairon Mosquera
92’ 2T – Jhon Lerma replaced by Jesús Peñaloza
93’ 2T – Jannenson Sarmiento for Roberto Hinojoza and Ricardo Márquez off for Misael Martínez
Booking for U. Magdalena:
44’ 2T – Jhon Lerma (unsporting behavior)