On Saturday, Cúcuta emerged triumphant at the General Santander Stadium, taking home all three points after a 1-0 victory over Boyacá Chicó. The decisive goal came in the 4th minute of the first half, courtesy of Leider Berdugo.
Berdugo received a precise pass from Eduar Arízalas before unleashing a powerful shot that found the back of the net, leaving the opposing goalkeeper with no chance.
Although Boyacá Chicó showed greater intention in attack, they failed to convert their chances into goals. The visitors registered 18 shots, with 10 on target but only to be denied by Cúcuta’s defense.
In a crucial moment, Jairo Molina had the opportunity to level the score for Boyacá Chicó when awarded a penalty in the 86th minute but his shot went wide, much to the dismay of his teammates.
Leider Berdugo not only scored the winning goal but also demonstrated his offensive prowess by attempting three shots throughout the match.
Cúcuta’s defense was anchored by Brayan Córdoba, who made significant contributions by clearing 9 crucial balls, helping to maintain their lead.
Coach Richard Páez set up his team in a 4-4-2 formation, featuring Federico Abadía in goal; Yair Abonia, Diego Calcaterra, Brayan Córdoba, and Brayan Montaño in defense; with Leider Berdugo, Kevin Londoño, Santiago Orozco, and Eduar Arízalas in midfield; and Luifer Hernández and Jaime Peralta leading the attack.
On the other hand, Boyacá Chicó, coached by Jhon Gomez, opted for a 4-5-1 formation. Their lineup included Darío Denis in goal; Anyelo Saldaña, Juan Palma, Arlen Banguero, and Juan Quiceno in the backline; with Andrés Aedo, Juan Díaz, Ítalo Montaño Cortés, Yesus Cabrera, and Delio Ramírez in midfield; and Jairo Molina as the lone striker.
The match referee, Jairo Mayorga Londoño, ensured the rules were followed throughout the game.
Looking ahead, Cúcuta will face Atlético Nacional in their next match while Boyacá Chicó will travel to play against Independiente Medellín.
Currently, Cúcuta sits in 16th place in the league with 11 points, while Boyacá Chicó finds itself in 19th place with 8 points.
Substitutions for Cúcuta
23’ 1T – Eduar Arízalas was replaced by Omar Albornoz
51’ 2T – Luifer Hernández was replaced by Jhon Quiñónes
89’ 2T – Brayan Montaño and Leider Berdugo were replaced by Mauricio Duarte and Frank Castañeda, respectively
Cautions for Cúcuta:
11’ 1T Kevin Londoño (Unsporting behavior), 28’ 1T Yair Abonia (Unsporting behavior), 51’ 1T Jaime Peralta (Arguing with an opponent), and 15’ 2T Federico Abadía (Time wasting)
Expulsions for Cúcuta:
33’ 1T Yair Abonia (Red card for second yellow), and 38’ 2T Jaime Peralta (Red card for second yellow)
Substitutions for Boyacá Chicó
45’ 2T – Andrés Aedo was replaced by Julián Castillo and Santiago Orozco by Juan Ceballos
71’ 2T – Ítalo Montaño Cortés was replaced by Jaime Díaz
90’ 2T – Arlen Banguero was replaced by Nicolás Valencia
Cautions for Boyacá Chicó:
37’ 1T Juan Palma (Unsporting behavior), 51’ 1T Darío Denis (Arguing with an opponent), 22’ 2T Anyelo Saldaña (Holding an opponent to prevent advancement), and 48’ 2T Delio Ramírez (Unsporting behavior)