Deportes Tolima put on a commanding display on October 20, 2025, defeating La Equidad 2-0 in an away fixture that will be remembered for Jersson González’s clinical finishing and the visitors’ sheer dominance. The match, part of the 16th round of the Liga BetPlay Dimayor 2025-II, unfolded at the Estadio Centenario de Armenia, with both sides feeling the weight of late-season pressure as the league’s regular phase nears its conclusion.
From the first whistle, Tolima—nicknamed the "Vinotinto y Oro"—looked sharper and more determined. Their intent was clear: seize three points and climb the standings. La Equidad, on the other hand, entered the match desperate for a turnaround, languishing near the bottom of the table with just 11 points. The stakes couldn’t have been higher for the home side, but fate—and a red card—would soon deal them a cruel hand.
The opening exchanges were fiercely contested in midfield, but everything changed in the 17th minute when Brayan Montaño of La Equidad received a direct red card for a reckless challenge. The sending-off left the hosts with ten men and shifted the balance decisively in Tolima’s favor. As reported, "Brayan Montaño from La Equidad was expelled at the 18th minute with a red card." The numerical advantage allowed Tolima to dictate the tempo, spreading the play and probing for weaknesses in the depleted Equidad defense.
It didn’t take long for Tolima to capitalize. In the 24th minute, Kevin Pérez—who would prove instrumental throughout the evening—delivered a precise cross from the left. Jersson González, timing his run to perfection, arrived at the far post to slot home the opener. The play was described as, "Kevin Pérez launched a cross from left to right and Jersson González surprised everyone at the back post to score the first goal of the match." The visitors erupted in celebration, and González’s confidence soared.
La Equidad, now chasing the game with a man down, struggled to mount any meaningful attacks. Their best opportunity came courtesy of Fabian Chaverra, who nearly brought the hosts level in the 54th minute. His effort, however, struck the post—agonizingly close, but not enough to shift the momentum. As noted, "Fabian Chaverra of La Equidad had a chance to score but hit the post at the 54th minute of the second half."
With Tolima in firm control, the second half became a showcase for their attacking prowess. Just before the hour mark—specifically the 58th minute—González struck again, once more assisted by the ever-reliable Pérez. The formula was almost identical: a well-timed run, a pinpoint delivery, and a cool finish. The scoreboard now read 2-0, and the outcome felt inevitable.
González’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. The midfielder not only netted both goals but also posed a constant threat, testing the Equidad goalkeeper on several occasions. According to match reports, "The best player of the match was Jersson González. The Tolima midfielder scored 2 goals and sought the goal three times." For Tolima fans, it was a night to savor—their team’s attacking dynamism and defensive discipline were on full display.
Kevin Pérez’s contributions did not go unnoticed either. He registered two assists, orchestrating much of Tolima’s forward play and linking up seamlessly with González. His vision and passing accuracy were crucial, as highlighted: "Kevin Pérez was another of the key players. The Tolima midfielder was precise with 2 effective passes." Such chemistry in the final third bodes well for Tolima as they look ahead to the remaining matches of the regular season.
La Equidad, meanwhile, found themselves on the back foot for most of the match. Reduced to ten men for over 70 minutes, their defensive line was stretched and their midfield overrun. Despite some late substitutions and tactical tweaks by head coach Daniel Gómez, the hosts could not find a way back. Their struggles were summed up by the fact that, "La Equidad continues to struggle and is near the bottom of the table."
The match was officiated by Luis Matorel Martínez, who kept a firm grip on proceedings. Both teams made a series of substitutions in the second half, but the rhythm and flow of the game remained firmly in Tolima’s hands. Lineups were as follows: La Equidad started with Yimy Gómez in goal, a back four of Yair Abonia, Brayan Montaño, Carlos Vivas, and Yulián Gómez, a midfield anchored by Juan Castilla, Dannovi Quiñones, Fabian Chaverra, Franco González, and Manuel Mónaco, with Juan Valencia leading the attack. Tolima’s starting eleven featured Cristopher Fiermarín in goal, defenders Yhormar Hurtado, Jhon Quiñónes, Anderson Angulo, and Samuel Velásquez, a midfield of Juan Pablo Nieto, Brayan Rovira, Jersson González, Kevin Pérez, and Mauricio González, and Adrián Parra up front.
With this result, Deportes Tolima climbed to sixth place in the league standings, now boasting 26 points as the playoff race intensifies. The victory not only boosts their confidence but also puts them in a strong position to secure a postseason berth. On the flip side, La Equidad’s woes deepen—they remain anchored to the bottom of the table with just 11 points, and the pressure is mounting as the season’s end draws near.
Looking ahead, La Equidad must regroup quickly. Their next challenge is an away fixture against Alianza FC—a match that could prove pivotal in their fight for survival. Tolima, riding high after this impressive win, will host Deportivo Cali, hoping to maintain their momentum and further solidify their playoff credentials.
As the regular season enters its final stretch, every point counts and every match is a battle. For Deportes Tolima, this victory is a statement of intent—a sign that they are peaking at just the right time. For La Equidad, the road ahead looks tough, but the fight isn’t over yet. The Liga BetPlay Dimayor 2025-II promises more drama, more upsets, and more unforgettable moments as the race to the playoffs heats up.
