In a captivating match at the Estadio Américo Montanini, Bucaramanga triumphed over Millonarios with a score of 2-1 during the opening round of the Colombian league. The home team saw goals from Leonardo Flores in the 14th minute of the second half and Luciano Pons in the 19th minute, while Millonarios managed to score through a deflected shot by Flores himself in the first half at the 40th minute.
Leonardo Flores received acclaim for his spectacular finish early in the second half, connecting with a precise assist from Aldair Gutiérrez, placing the ball into the top corner past the visiting goalkeeper.
Before that, Bucaramanga had a missed opportunity when Martín Rea struck the post in the 34th minute of the first half, denying them an earlier lead.
Luciano Pons stood out as the star player of the match, contributing significantly with a goal and four attempts on goal, demonstrating his impactful presence in the attack.
Alongside him, Leonardo Flores delivered a stellar performance, netting both a goal for his team and an unfortunate own goal.
The coach of Bucaramanga, Leonel Álvarez, opted for a tactical setup of 4-5-1, featuring Aldair Quintana in goal, with a defense comprising Aldair Gutiérrez, Martín Rea, Jefferson Mena, and Fredy Hinestroza. The midfield was composed of Aldair Zárate, Felix Charrupí, Faber Gil Mosquera, Fabián Sambueza, and Kevin Londoño, while Luciano Pons led the attack.
Millonarios, led by Hernán Torres, also deployed a 4-5-1 formation with Diego Novoa in goal. Carlos Sarabia, Alex Moreno, Sergio Mosquera, and Danovis Banguero formed the defense, supported by a midfield of Stiven Vega, Mateo García, Rodrigo Ureña, Darwin Quintero, and David Mackalister, with Rodrigo Contreras as the forward.
The match was officiated by referee Jairo Mayorga Londoño.
Looking ahead, Bucaramanga will face Llaneros FC in their next match, while Millonarios will host Junior.
This win positions Bucaramanga in fourth place in the league standings with three points, while Millonarios finds themselves in sixteenth with no points.
Substitutions for Bucaramanga
15’ 1T – Aldair Zárate OUT, Leonardo Flores IN
45’ 2T – Faber Gil Mosquera OUT, Jhon Fredy Salazar IN; Mateo García OUT, Sebastian del Castillo IN
68’ 2T – Kevin Londoño OUT, Juan Mosquera IN
86’ 2T – Luciano Pons OUT, Brandon Caicedo IN
87’ 2T – Fabián Sambueza OUT, Carlos Romaña IN; Darwin Quintero OUT, Jorge Hurtado IN
Yellow Cards for Bucaramanga:
49’ 1T Felix Charrupí (Unsportsmanlike conduct)
15’ 2T Fredy Hinestroza (Unsportsmanlike conduct)
47’ 2T Brandon Caicedo (Unsportsmanlike conduct)
Substitutions for Millonarios
62’ 2T – David Mackalister OUT, Julian Ángulo IN; Rodrigo Ureña OUT, Dewar Victoria IN
83’ 2T – Dewar Victoria OUT, Beckham Castro IN
Yellow Cards for Millonarios:
36’ 1T Mateo García (Unsportsmanlike conduct)
9’ 2T David Mackalister (Delaying the game)
35’ 2T Diego Novoa (Insulting or expressing disapproval towards the referee)
42’ 2T Beckham Castro (Insulting or expressing disapproval towards the referee)