Deportivo Cali secured a much-needed victory over Union Magdalena on March 3, 2025, during the seventh matchday of Liga BetPlay 2025-I. The match, held at the Sierra Nevada stadium, ended with Deportivo Cali triumphing 2-1, solidifying their place among the top contenders for the championship.
Emiliano Rodríguez opened the scoring for Deportivo Cali just 12 minutes after the kickoff, heading the ball home from a well-executed free kick by Jarlan Barrera, putting the score at 0-1. This goal marked Rodríguez's continued form as one of Cali’s key players, having scored consistently throughout the tournament. The assist from Barrera was pivotal, showcasing his playmaking ability during high-pressure moments.
Despite falling behind early, Union Magdalena pressed back and created several chances. Ruyery Blanco had a notable miss when he failed to convert from the right side just minutes after the goal. While Unión regained momentum, it was their goalkeeper Alejandro Rodríguez who emerged as the star of the first half. He made several tremendous saves, denying Union from equalizing on multiple occasions.
The match took another turn when Jorge Luis Pinto, Union Magdalena's coach, was expelled from the game for persistent protests to the referee, Diego Ruiz, during the first half's heated exchanges. This was shortly followed by Oscar Barreto making the game 1-1 after finding the net, igniting the home crowd as the team celebrated their equalizer.
Just before halftime, Unión was awarded a penalty after being fouled inside the box. Jannenson Sarmiento stepped up to take the shot, but Alejandro Rodríguez proved to be too good, saving the penalty and keeping the score level. This sequence of intense action left fans on the edge of their seats as the teams headed to the locker rooms.
Returning from the break, both teams sought to assert dominance. Deportivo Cali’s lineup, which had performed admirably against Millonarios weeks before, remained unchanged. They were eager to build on their past performance and climb the league standings, aiming for one of the top spots. They arrived at Sierra Nevada having won their last game, motivated to continue this winning streak.
Union Magdalena, still seeking their first win of the tournament, had been struggling at the bottom of the standings, needing to significantly improve their form if they aspired to remain competitive. They entered the match with only three points from six matches, which placed immense pressure on the players and coaching staff.
The game remained tightly contested throughout the second half, with both sides creating chances but failing to convert. The fans witnessed several thrilling moments, including powerful shots and strategic plays. Union Magdalena attempted to break the deadlock, yet were efficiently quelled by Deportivo Cali's defensive line.
With just minutes left, Deportivo Cali managed to take the lead again. Emiliano Rodríguez, who had already scored once, found the net again after weaving through Union's defense, placing his shot perfectly beyond the reach of Unión's goalkeeper. This goal restored Deportivo Cali's advantage, leading to wild celebrations among their traveling supporters.
Despite Union Magdalena's efforts to level the match again, they were unsuccessful. The final whistle sealed the game at 2-1, allowing Deportivo Cali to garner all three points and assert their status as contenders for the title. With this victory, Deportivo Cali achieved significant momentum heading toward the next fixture.
On the other hand, the loss placed added pressure on Union Magdalena, who remain at risk of relegation with their continued struggles on the field. The team recognized the need for rapid improvements to avoid jeopardizing their place in Liga Betplay. Manager Jorge Luis Pinto faces challenging decisions as he seeks to find the balance required to turn things around.
This match was not only exciting for fans but also highlighted the clear divide forming within the league standings. Deportivo Cali’s ambition is sharply focused on returning to the top tier of Colombian football, but they will need to maintain consistency to achieve their goals.
Looking forward, both teams will reflect during the international break, adjusting their strategies and rosters as needed. Deportivo Cali will aim to keep their form sharp, hoping to continue their climb up the table, whereas Union Magdalena needs to regroup and devise winning strategies to capture their first victory of the tournament.
With the next matchdays on the horizon, fans remain optimistic about their teams' performances and the battles for both the title and survival. For Deportivo Cali, this win could be just what they need to propel them toward the top, whereas Union Magdalena will need to find urgency as they navigate their path to safety.