In the first match of the Colombian league tournament, the Vinotinto y Oro dominated the game, handing Junior a frustrating defeat at the Estadio Metropolitano. Tolima opened the scoring early in the match with Juan Pablo Torres finding the net in the 7th minute, followed by Jersson González solidifying their lead with a goal in the 19th minute of the first half.
Junior had a chance to narrow the gap when Cristian Barrios struck a well-placed shot in the 67th minute, but his effort hit the woodwork, denying the home team any hope of a comeback.
Despite relentless attempts, Junior managed only a single shot on target out of 19 total attempts, with one hitting the post and eight others missing the mark.
Anderson Angulo was a standout player for Tolima, showing remarkable skill on defense by clearing five dangerous balls. Jersson González also contributed significantly, scoring a crucial goal and making two attempts on the opposing goal.
Junior’s coach, Alfredo Arias, set up his team in a 4-5-1 formation, with Mauro Silveira in goal; Jhomier Guerrero, Lucas Monzón, Jermein Peña, and Yeison Suárez in defense; Jesús Rivas, Guillermo Celis, Kevin Pérez, Yimmi Chará, and Bryan Castrillón in midfield; and Teófilo Gutiérrez leading the attack.
In contrast, Tolima’s lineup, managed by Lucas González, also featured a 4-5-1 setup with Neto Volpi in the goal; Yhormar Hurtado, Jan Ángulo, Anderson Angulo, and Junior Hernández in defense; Juan Pablo Nieto, Cristian Trujillo, Jersson González, Juan Pablo Torres, and Edwar López in midfield; with Luis Sandoval up front.
The match was officiated by Alejandro Moncada Sánchez. The upcoming fixture for Junior will be an away game against Millonarios, while Tolima will host Alianza FC.
As a result of this match, Junior finds themselves in 17th position with no points, whereas Tolima climbs to 4th place with 3 points.
Junior Substitutions
- 29’ 1H – Lucas Monzón replaced by Jean Pestaña
- 45’ 2H – Bryan Castrillón out for Cristian Barrios, Teófilo Gutiérrez for Luis Muriel, Yimmi Chará for Juan Ríos
Yellow Cards for Junior:
- 9’ 2H Jermein Peña (Unsporting behavior)
- 15’ 2H Jesús Rivas (Unsporting behavior)
- 36’ 2H Luis Muriel (Unsporting behavior)
Tolima Substitutions
- 64’ 2H – Juan Pablo Nieto for Élan Ricardo, Jersson González for Kelvin Flórez
- 75’ 2H – Juan Pablo Torres for Cristian Arrieta, Guillermo Celis for Jannenson Sarmiento
- 93’ 2H – Edwar López for Michael Martinez
Yellow Cards for Tolima:
- 5’ 2H Juan Pablo Nieto (Unsporting behavior)
- 22’ 2H Juan Pablo Torres (Unsporting behavior)
- 39’ 2H Edwar López (Unsporting behavior)
Red Cards for Tolima:
- 28’ 2H Junior Hernández (Direct red)
- 38’ 2H Luis Sandoval (Direct red)