Cúcuta Deportivo secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Deportes Tolima in a back-and-forth contest at Estadio General Santander on . The Liga BetPlay Apertura match, played before a crowd of 2,500, saw Luifer Hernández score twice for Cúcuta, while Jhon Quiñones added another. For Tolima, Kelvin Florez found the net twice as well, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Cúcuta’s attack.
The match was a lively affair from the start. Florez opened the scoring for Deportes Tolima in the 15th minute, giving the visitors an early lead. However, Cúcuta responded quickly, with Hernández leveling the score in the 28th minute. Florez struck again in the 38th minute, restoring Tolima’s advantage before halftime.
The second half saw a flurry of goals. Quiñones brought Cúcuta level once more in the 49th minute, igniting the home crowd. Hernández then completed his brace in the 57th minute, putting Cúcuta ahead for the first time in the match. Despite a determined effort from Tolima, Cúcuta held on for the win, with the match ending 3-2.
The victory marks Cúcuta Deportivo’s first win of the Apertura season, moving them to 6 points from four matches. Deportes Tolima, despite the loss, remain near the top of the table with 12 points from three matches. The game was officiated by Carlos Betancourt.
Hernández’s performance was particularly noteworthy, with his two goals proving crucial for Cúcuta. Florez also demonstrated his attacking prowess for Tolima, but it was Cúcuta’s ability to respond to Tolima’s goals that made the difference.
The starting lineups reflected tactical approaches from both sides. Cúcuta deployed a 4-3-3 formation, with Ramírez, Duarte and Rodríguez forming the midfield. Tolima opted for a 4-4-2, featuring Quiñones and Duarte in midfield. Substitutions were made throughout the match, but the core structures remained consistent.
Possession was largely in favor of Deportes Tolima, with 62.4% of the ball compared to Cúcuta’s 37.6%. However, Cúcuta proved more clinical in front of goal, converting a higher percentage of their chances. Tolima had 8 shots on goal to Cúcuta’s 4, and a significant advantage in shot attempts, with 22 to Cúcuta’s 10. Cúcuta’s goalkeeper made 6 saves, while Tolima’s made 1.
The match also saw a number of fouls and cautions, with Cúcuta receiving 4 yellow cards and Tolima receiving 1. Tolima earned 8 corner kicks to Cúcuta’s 13. The game concluded with a tense final few minutes, as Tolima pushed for an equalizer, but Cúcuta’s defense held firm.
The result will undoubtedly provide a boost to Cúcuta Deportivo’s confidence as they continue their campaign in the Liga BetPlay Apertura. For Deportes Tolima, it’s a setback, but their strong start to the season suggests they remain a formidable force in the league. The game was a compelling display of Colombian football, showcasing both attacking flair and defensive resilience.
Looking ahead, both teams will be looking to build on this result in their upcoming fixtures. Cúcuta will aim to maintain their momentum, while Tolima will seek to bounce back from this defeat and reaffirm their position at the top of the table. The Apertura season is shaping up to be a competitive one, with several teams vying for the championship title.
The attendance of 2,500 at Estadio General Santander created a vibrant atmosphere, adding to the intensity of the match. The passionate support from the home fans undoubtedly played a role in inspiring Cúcuta Deportivo to victory. The game served as a reminder of the importance of home advantage in Colombian football.
