In a stunning match held during the Colombian league’s eighth round, Cúcuta emerged victorious over Tolima with a score of 3-2. Despite a remarkable performance by Kelvin Flórez, who scored two goals for the Vinotinto y Oro, Tolima’s efforts were insufficient to secure a win.
Cúcuta, led by coach Richard Páez, executed a masterful comeback that began with a goal from Luifer Hernández in the 28th minute of the first half. A precise cross from Leider Berdugo set up Hernández perfectly, allowing him to find the back of the net against goalkeeper Luis Marquínez Preciado.
From a total of 19 shots taken by Tolima, only 9 were on target, while 8 missed the goal. This lack of precision contributed to their surprising defeat.
The standout player for Cúcuta was clearly Jhon Quiñónes, who not only scored the second goal but also made crucial defensive plays, clearing five dangerous balls.
Luifer Hernández also shone in the match, netting two goals and attempting three shots at goal.
The lineup chosen by coach Richard Páez featured a 4-3-3 formation with Juan Ramírez in goal, and a defense consisting of Yair Abonia, Diego Calcaterra, Sebastián Rodríguez, and Mauricio Duarte. In midfield, Kevin Londoño, Victor Mejia, and Frank Castañeda contributed to the attack, supported by attackers Eduar Arízalas, Luifer Hernández, and Leider Berdugo.
Tolima, under the direction of Lucas González, adopted a 4-5-1 formation with Luis Marquínez guarding the goal. The defensive line included Michael Martinez, Jan Ángulo, Juan José Mera, and Shean Barbosa, while the midfield was bolstered by Brayan Rovira, Sebastián Guzmán, Jersson González, Ever Valencia, and Kelvin Flórez, with Luis Sandoval leading the attack.
Match referee Carlos Betancur Gutiérrez officiated the game at the General Santander Stadium. Following this match, Cúcuta’s next fixture will see them visiting Pasto, while Tolima will host At. Nacional.
This defeat leaves Cúcuta with 6 points, placing them in the 17th spot, whereas Tolima sits in 6th place with a total of 12 points.
Substitutions for Cúcuta
45’ 2T – Sebastián Rodríguez off for Brayan Córdoba
47’ 2T – Diego Calcaterra off for Jhon Quiñónes; Frank Castañeda off for Agustín Cano
69’ 2T – Leider Berdugo off for Jaime Peralta
74’ 2T – Yair Abonia off for Brayan Montaño; Kelvin Flórez off for Néifer Sánchez
Cautions for Cúcuta:
24’ 2T – Yair Abonia (Unsportsmanlike conduct)
40’ 2T – Jaime Peralta (Unsportsmanlike conduct)
42’ 2T – Juan Ramírez (Unsportsmanlike conduct)
43’ 2T – Kevin Londoño (Unsportsmanlike conduct)
Substitutions for Tolima
55’ 2T – Shean Barbosa off for Junior Hernández; Ever Valencia off for Yoimar Moreno; Luis Sandoval off for Jader Valencia
56’ 2T – Michael Martinez off for Yimar Parra
Caution for Tolima:
16’ 2T – Brayan Rovira (Unsportsmanlike conduct)