On a thrilling day at the Hernán Ramírez Villegas stadium, Independiente Medellín showcased their superiority over Pereira, defeating them 4-1 in this year’s 19th round of the first division.
Jhon Palacios opened the scoring for the visitors early in the match at the 5th minute. However, Medellín responded emphatically with a goal from Jhon Montoya in the 57th minute, leveling the game before a flurry of goals from the home side.
The standout moment came in the 42nd minute of the second half when Baldomero Perlaza extended the lead with a well-driven shot from a José Ortiz assist that rippled the back of the net.
Despite a late penalty opportunity for Medellín, which was missed by Brayan León in the 90th minute, the home team walked away with a comfortable victory.
Jarlan Barrera distinguished himself as the game’s best player, launching six shots on goal and constantly testing Pereira’s defense. Jhon Montoya also shone brightly, contributing a goal and pursuing the net on two occasions.
Pereira’s coach, Cristian Galindez, implemented a 4-5-1 formation to start the game, placing Samuel Atehortua in goal and a defensive line of Santiago Mosquera, Julián Ortiz, Jared Rodríguez, and Jacobo López. The midfield included Jhon Montoya, Sebastián Ruiz, Josseph Mosquera, Miguel Aguirre, and Ronaldiño Mosquera, while Andrés Calderón led the attack.
On the opposing side, Alejandro Restrepo opted for a 3-4-3 strategy for Medellín, featuring Éder Chaux in goal, supported by defenders Jhon Palacios, Kevin Mantilla, and José Ortiz. The midfield was bolstered by Mender García, Jaime Alvarado, Diego Moreno, and Juan David Arizala, with a forward line of Jarlan Barrera, Jader Valencia, and Brayan León.
The match was officiated by referee Diego Ulloa Angulo.
Looking ahead, Pereira will face La Equidad away in their next match, while Independiente Medellín will play at home against América de Cali.
With only one match remaining, Pereira is now in a precarious position in 16th place with 18 points and four victories, effectively ending their chances of qualifying for the next stage. Meanwhile, Independiente Medellín maintains its position at the top of the league with 37 points and 11 wins, keeping their hopes alive for the Cuadrangulares.
Substitutions for Pereira:
45’ ST – Jacobo López out for Santiago Alzate, Kevin Mantilla out for Leyser Chaverra, and Jader Valencia out for Baldomero Perlaza.
73’ ST – Andrés Calderón out for Gian Carlo García.
76’ ST – Jhon Montoya out for Jorge Martínez.
Red Card for Pereira:
30’ ST – Samuel Atehortua (Straight Red).
Substitutions for Independiente Medellín:
63’ ST – Jarlan Barrera out for Luis Sandoval.
64’ ST – Mender García out for Esneyder Mena.
Red Card for Independiente Medellín:
40’ 1T – Diego Moreno (Straight Red).