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In the first leg match for the quarterfinals in the League, Junior received Deportes Tolima at the Metropolitano. Vibrant key to define the rival of America or National in the semifinals.
To the surprise of many, Junior took a long time to own the game. The possession was his, but he did not have the necessary clarity to attack the rival. For his part, Tolima looked comfortable with his direct game.
Germán Mera and ‘Cariaco’ González were the locals’ main offensive card, while Nilson Castrillón and Yeison Gordillo did the same for the visit.
The first celebration of the commitment would arrive at 23 minutes. Castrillón made a serious mistake in the area after not being able to clear a ball at mid-height, Miguel Ángel Borja recovered and released a crossed shot that left the visiting goalkeeper with no option.
Ten minutes later, Tolima could tie the actions but everything was canceled by hand. Jáminton Campáz sent a cross from the side, the ball hit several players inside the area and Jean Carlos Pestaña finished defining.
The VAR immediately asked the central judge to review the play. In the repetitions, a hand of Leyvin Balanta is clearly seen and therefore all the above was canceled. Respite for the locals.
Luis Amaranto Perea ordered his team not to stop attacking, despite the advantage, and his orders gave effect. In addition time, Teófilo commanded a counter in a great way, opened with Gabriel Fuentes and he assisted Borja first. The striker left Montero on the road, but was left without an angle and could not finish.
Junior switched from heaven to earth at the beginning of the second 45 minutes. He came out determined to preserve his short advantage, to become strong from possession with variants in offense and thus seek the second score.
With the passing of the game, both Perea and Torres decided to move the banks. For Junior, Edwuin Cetré was admitted by an injured Fredy Hinestroza and in Tolima, Anderson Plata entered, surprisingly, by Omar Albornoz.
At 63 ‘, Tolima again had the opportunity to tie, but his luck was cast. Campaz released a distant shot from which Sebastián Viera rebounded, Castrillón appeared to send the center and Plata defined.
On this occasion, the linesman was the one who annulled the play, later reaffirmed by the VAR, for the misplaced defender Castrillón. Big scare for Junior and his captain.
The tempestuous junior player reappeared in the 74th minute. Borja threw a phenomenal wall with Luis Sánchez on the edge of the area, the midfielder ran deep to define, but Montero closed in time to save his goal. That would be the last participation of the league scorer in the match.
The local continued by and had a second hand in hand. Teófilo filtered a great ball to Carmelo Valencia who finished off with strength and again Montero appeared. Both ‘Tutunendo’ and Sherman Cárdenas gave a new air to the Barranquilla team.
In the end it would be a victory by the smallest difference for a Junior who will have to play next Thursday in the South American Cup and three days to play the second leg at the Manuel Murillo Toro.
