The clash took place at the Estadio Metropolitano during the first matchday of Group A in the Colombian top flight, concluding with the home team, Junior, edging out Independiente Medellín by a slim margin of 1-0. The only goal came from Didier Moreno in the 35th minute, breaking the deadlock.
Moreno’s goal was set up by a well-placed cross from Yimmi Chará, allowing him to fire from inside the penalty area into the back of the net.
Mauro Silveira was the standout player of the match, earning praise for his remarkable performance, which included thwarting six shots on his goal.
Moreno’s contribution was crucial, as the Junior midfielder not only helped secure a vital three points but also demonstrated his importance to the team.
Head coach Alfredo Arias deployed a 4-4-2 formation, featuring Mauro Silveira in goal; with defenders Edwin Herrera, Javier Báez, Yimmi Chará, and Yeison Suárez; and a midfield comprised of Daniel Rivera, Guillermo Celis, Didier Moreno, and Carlos Esparragoza. Up front, José Enamorado and Guillermo Paiva were tasked with leading the attack.
On the other side, Alejandro Restrepo’s Independiente Medellín took the field with a 3-4-3 strategy, with Washington Aguerre in goal; Leyser Chaverra, Fáiner Torijano, and Daniel Londoño in defense; and Esneyder Mena, Baldomero Perlaza, Alexis Serna, and Francisco Chaverra in midfield. Jarlan Barrera, Jaime Alvarado, and Brayan León made up their forward line.
The match was overseen by referee Andrés Rojas Noguera.
Looking ahead, Junior will next face América de Cali, while Independiente Medellín will host Atlético Nacional in what is expected to be an exciting ‘clásico paisa’, a significant matchup for their fans.
Substitutions for Junior:
45’ 2H – Javier Báez off for Jermein Peña
67’ 2H – Carlos Esparragoza off for Joel Canchimbo
77’ 2H – Didier Moreno off for Jesús Rivas
87’ 2H – José Enamorado off for Bryan Castrillón, Guillermo Paiva off for Steven Rodríguez
Yellow cards for Junior:
37’ 1H Guillermo Celis (Unsporting behavior)
40’ 1H Yimmi Chará (Unsporting behavior)
0’ 2H Javier Báez (Unsporting behavior)
3’ 2H Yeison Suárez (Unsporting behavior)
35’ 2H Edwin Herrera (Unsporting behavior)
Substitutions for Independiente Medellín:
26’ 1H – Washington Aguerre off for Éder Chaux
60’ 2H – Alexis Serna off for Luis Sandoval
61’ 2H – Jarlan Barrera off for Leider Berrío
84’ 2H – Jaime Alvarado off for Jader Valencia, Francisco Chaverra off for Juan David Arizala
Yellow cards for Independiente Medellín:
48’ 1H Leyser Chaverra (Unsporting behavior)
0’ 2H Brayan León (Unsporting behavior)
Red card for Independiente Medellín:
48’ 1H Alejandro Restrepo (Direct red)