In the 11th round of the Colombian league, Fortaleza FC suffered a narrow defeat against Junior, with a final score of 2-1, in a match held at Estadio Romelio Martínez. The game proved intense, with both teams showcasing strong performances. Teófilo Gutiérrez opened the scoring for Junior at the 13-minute mark after executing a brilliant play.
Fortaleza FC responded in the second half, finding an equalizer in the 69th minute through a penalty taken by Andrés Arroyo. However, Junior capitalized on their opportunities, regaining the lead just three minutes later when Jean Pestaña scored with a powerful header, making it 2-1.
A pivotal moment for Fortaleza came when Arroyo’s attempt in the 34th minute struck the post, denying them a crucial equalizer.
Jean Pestaña was the standout player of the match, not only contributing a goal but also clearing three dangerous balls from the defensive zone. Bryan Castrillón further supported Junior’s attacking efforts by attempting three shots on target.
Junior’s head coach, Alfredo Arias, employed a 4-4-2 formation with Mauro Silveira in goal; Edwin Herrera, Jean Pestaña, Lucas Monzón, and Yeison Suárez forming the defense; Joel Canchimbo, Juan Ríos, Harold Rivera, and Cristian Barrios in midfield; and Luis Muriel alongside Teófilo Gutiérrez in the attack.
In contrast, Sebastián Oliveros led Fortaleza FC with a 4-5-1 setup, featuring Miguel Silva as goalkeeper; Jhon Martínez, Yesid Díaz, Harold Balanta, and Miguel Ángel Pernía in defense; Leonardo Pico, Kevin Balanta, Andrés Arroyo, Sebastián Navarro, and Santiago Cuero in the midfield; and Juan Herrera as the forward.
The match was officiated by Jairo Mayorga Londoño.
Junior’s next encounter will be an away game against Independiente Medellín, while Fortaleza FC will be visiting Tolima in their following match.
With this result, Junior accumulates 19 points and holds fifth place in the standings, while Fortaleza FC remains with 14 points, sitting in thirteenth position in the league.
Substitutions for Junior
45’ 2T – Cristian Barrios out, Jannenson Sarmiento in
62’ 2T – Harold Rivera out, Jesús Rivas in
63’ 2T – Luis Muriel out, Guillermo Paiva in
69’ 2T – Teófilo Gutiérrez out, Carlos Bacca in; Joel Canchimbo out, Bryan Castrillón in
Yellow Cards for Junior:
45’ 1T Edwin Herrera (Unsportsmanlike conduct)
41’ 2T Juan Ríos (Unsportsmanlike conduct)
49’ 2T Jean Pestaña (Unsportsmanlike conduct)
Substitutions for Fortaleza FC
54’ 2T – Jhon Martínez out, Jonathan Marulanda in
75’ 2T – Sebastián Navarro out, Julio Sinisterra in; Santiago Cuero out, Andy Batioja in
84’ 2T – Juan Herrera out, Teun Wilke in; Andrés Arroyo out, Jhon Velásquez in
Yellow Cards for Fortaleza FC:
43’ 1T Jhon Martínez (Unsportsmanlike conduct)
34’ 2T Yesid Díaz (Holding an opponent to prevent advancement)
41’ 2T Jonathan Marulanda (Delaying the game)