The powerful Independiente Medellín demonstrated their skill at the General Santander Stadium, emerging victorious against Cúcuta with a score of 3-1 in the sixth round of the Colombian league. Didier Moreno struck first for Medellín with a goal in the 15th minute. Cúcuta managed to equalize through Leider Berdugo, who scored from the penalty spot in the 50th minute of the first half. However, Medellín quickly regained control with a goal from Alexis Serna at the start of the second half (53rd minute) and cemented their win with another from John Montaño, who finished the match with a goal in the 55th minute.
Kevin Londoño had a golden opportunity to equalize for Cúcuta but was denied by the post in the 26th minute of the first half.
Didier Moreno was the standout player, contributing a crucial goal to his team’s success. John Montaño also shone, scoring once and attempting two shots on target.
Cúcuta’s head coach, Richard Páez, deployed a 4-3-3 formation featuring Juan Ramírez in goal, supported by defenders Yair Abonia, Diego Calcaterra, Sebastián Rodríguez, and Mauricio Duarte. The midfield included Kevin Londoño, Victor Mejia, and Lucas Ríos, while the attack comprised Eduar Arízalas, Jonathan Agudelo, and Frank Castañeda.
In contrast, Alejandro Restrepo’s Medellín lined up in a 3-5-2 setup, with Salvador Ichazo guarding the net, bolstered by defenders Leyser Chaverra, Kevin Mantilla, and José Ortiz. The midfield was anchored by Esneyder Mena, Didier Moreno, Halam Loboa, Diego Moreno, and Francisco Chaverra, with Francisco Fydriszewski and John Montaño leading the attack.
Referee Wilmar Montaño Guevara oversaw the match, which witnessed Cúcuta face challenges as Jonathan Agudelo received a straight red card in the 42nd minute.
In their upcoming match, Cúcuta will visit Alianza FC, while Independiente Medellín will host Pereira at home. With this result, Cúcuta remains at 2 points, placing them 18th in the standings, while Medellín rises to 5 points, sitting in 15th place.
Substitutions for Cúcuta
37’ 1H – Lucas Ríos was replaced by Leider Berdugo
54’ 2H – Kevin Londoño was replaced by Juan Ceballos; Frank Castañeda was replaced by Luifer Hernández
62’ 2H – Diego Calcaterra was replaced by Jhon Quiñónes; Eduar Arízalas was replaced by Jhon Valencia
Yellow cards for Cúcuta:
39’ 2H – Jhon Quiñónes (Insulting or disapproving the referee)
Red cards for Cúcuta:
42’ 1H – Jonathan Agudelo (Direct red)
Substitutions for Independiente Medellín
34’ 1H – Halam Loboa was replaced by Alexis Serna
64’ 2H – Didier Moreno was replaced by Leider Berrío; John Montaño was replaced by Gerónimo Mancilla
85’ 2H – Francisco Fydriszewski was replaced by Enzo Larrosa; Francisco Chaverra was replaced by Juan Manuel Viveros
Yellow cards for Independiente Medellín:
0’ 1H – Leyser Chaverra (Unsporting behavior), 45’ 1H – Francisco Fydriszewski (Unsporting behavior), 41’ 2H – José Ortiz (Holding the opponent to prevent him from advancing), 43’ 2H – Esneyder Mena (Delaying the game)