The label of Independiente Medellín as the best visitor in the tournament was questioned at the Américo Montanini stadium, where he fell 2-0 against Bucaramanga. A result that, although not fully compromises his aspirations, did prevent him from anticipating his classification to home runs. A fall that hurts, more because of the form than the bottom, and that reveals the delicate moment that the team crosses in physical matters.
Because this dim, wounded and picked, seemed more an expression of survival than a team in search of the point that would deposit it in the next phase. With seven key absences – Francisco Chaverra, Brayan León, Homer Martínez, Luis Sandoval, Leyser Chaverra, Francisco Fydriszewski and Yéferson Rodallega -, the paisa payroll arrived decimated to the capital of Santander. And as if the panorama was no longer bleak, bad fortune insisted on punishing: before the first half ended, Alexis Serna had to leave the court due to injury. One more blow to a team that was already staggering.
And right in the midst of physical bewilderment, the football coup arrived. At minute 34, Kevin Londoño took advantage of an oversight in the red rear and signed the first goal of the commitment, a dry and bass shot that unleashed the euphoria in the Bumanguesas stands. This closed the first half, with Medellín subjected by circumstances and Bucaramanga hugging an advantage that he defended fiercely.
For the complement, the powerful showed rebellion. Despite the lack of names, the team’s soul sought the tie. Ménder García had two clear opportunities that could change the course of the party, but lacked serenity in the definition. His effort was the reflection of a team that did not lower his arms, but to which fortune did not want to smile.
-The pain did not stop there. Marcus Vinicius twisted his right ankle and came out in tears, leaving Alejandro Restrepo with another piece less on the board. With few resources and many emergencies, the coach appealed to La Cantera and sent the youth Halle Loboa, just 19 years old, who debuted at a time loaded with tension.
The good news was the return of Joaquín Varela, who added minutes after overcoming his injury, entering the final minutes when the red still dreamed of the tie. Because, although surpassed by absences, the team never stopped fighting. And partly thanks to Washington Aguerre, who kept the short scoring with providential save, until Leonardo Flores arrived for the final 2-0 at 90+1. A play that generated controversy by a hand of a Bucaramanga player, in the prelude to the action, who did not sanction the referee or the VAR.
It was the second defeat as a visitor to El Red – the first one had been against Junior in Barranquilla. With 29 points, the Medellín must now look for that unit that separates it from uncertainty when he receives Tolima and then Pereira, before closing his participation in all against all against América de Cali.
Revive here the minute by minute of this party:
