In a thrilling encounter at the Estadio Departamental Libertad, Deportivo Pasto and Deportivo Cali battled to a 1-1 draw on March 29, 2025, in the 11th matchday of Liga BetPlay I 2025. The match showcased both teams' resilience, with Deportivo Pasto striking first before Deportivo Cali equalized in the second half.
Deportivo Pasto, known for their tenacity at home, opened the scoring in the 42nd minute. Following a well-executed corner taken by Facundo Boné, Andrés Alarcón rose above the defense to head the ball into the net, giving Pasto a 1-0 lead just before halftime. This marked a significant moment for Alarcón, as it was his first goal as a defender for the team.
As the second half commenced, Deportivo Cali, determined to turn the tide, made strategic substitutions. Coach Alfredo Arias brought on Jean Carlos Colorado, who replaced Rafael Bustamante. This change proved pivotal. In the 63rd minute, after a defensive miscue from Pasto, Colorado capitalized on a rebound from a shot by Emiliano Rodríguez, leveling the match at 1-1.
Despite the equalizer, Deportivo Cali's struggles continued as they extended their winless streak to five matches. Their last victory came on matchday 6 when they defeated Millonarios 3-1 at home. Since then, the team has drawn against Unión Magdalena (2-2), Boyacá Chicó (0-0), Independiente Medellín (0-0), and América de Cali (1-1) before this latest draw with Pasto.
Throughout the match, both teams displayed moments of brilliance and frustration. Deportivo Cali's Juan Quintero, a key player, was involved in several attacking plays but faced a solid defense from Pasto. The match was not without its challenges, as both teams received multiple yellow cards, highlighting the intensity of the contest. Guzmán Corujo and Jean Colorado from Cali, along with Kevin López, Rafael Bustamante, and Juan Franco from Pasto, all received yellow cards for their aggressive play.
As the clock wound down, the fourth official signaled four minutes of added time, but neither team could find the decisive goal. The draw left Deportivo Cali in ninth place with 16 points, just outside the playoff spots, while Deportivo Pasto moved up to seventh with 18 points, maintaining a spot in the playoff zone.
The match was officiated by Steven Camargo, with Heider Castro serving as the VAR assistant, ensuring that the game was conducted fairly despite the contentious moments on the pitch. The weather played a role as well, with heavy rain falling throughout the match, adding an extra layer of difficulty for the players.
Looking ahead, Deportivo Cali will need to regroup and refocus as they aim to break their winless streak in the upcoming matches. The team's performance has been a topic of concern among fans, especially with the playoffs approaching. Meanwhile, Deportivo Pasto will look to build on their home advantage and continue their push for a higher position in the standings.
In summary, the clash between Deportivo Pasto and Deportivo Cali was a testament to the competitive spirit of Colombian football. Both teams displayed determination and skill, and while neither walked away with a victory, the draw sets the stage for an exciting remainder of the Liga BetPlay I season.
