Junior de Barranquilla managed to clinch their first victory of the Liga BetPlay season with a narrow 1-0 win against Once Caldas at the Estadio Metropolitano on February 13, 2025. The match closely contested throughout saw both teams fighting hard for dominance, but it was Junior who capitalized on their chances effectively.
The game commenced with high hopes as both teams eyed improvement. Junior, having been stuck with three draws prior, was desperate for points to climb out of the 14th spot. Meanwhile, Once Caldas, boasting two wins already, aimed to solidify their standing among the league's top performers.
The first half witnessed notable action, with both sides attempting to establish control. Junior frolicked with the ball, often breaking down Once Caldas’s defense. One of the standout moments came from Bryan Castrillón who, following several near misses, finally broke the deadlock. By the 41st minute, Castrillón struck, pushing the ball past the agitated keeper, James Aguirre, to send the home crowd roaring.
Yet, the celebration was cut short as the linesman signaled offside, claiming Didier Moreno was interfering with Aguirre. A tense few moments followed as the VAR was called to review the decision. Minutes felt endless as fans observed both players and officials glancing anxiously at the screens. Finally, with no conclusive evidence to disallow the goal, the referee confirmed it, awarding the goal to Junior, putting them 1-0 up.
Once Caldas, visibly shaken yet determined, took to the second half with renewed vigor. Nonetheless, they struggled to penetrate Junior’s defense. Efforts from Dayro Moreno, who even had direct access to goal, went awry as he lifted the ball over the crossbar when he needed precision instead. The frustration was palpable, as was evident when coach Hernán Darío Herrera argued with the sidelines.
Junior maintained pressure, utilizing strategies from both sides, attacking strategically and ensuring Aguirre remained on high alert. Notable moments included Castrillón's blistering run where Aguirre had to pull off acrobatic saves to keep the game within reach. Nonetheless, neither side managed to change the score after continuous back-and-forth play.
The match concluded with Junior securing their position with the much-needed 1-0 victory, but both teams had displayed moments of class and tenacity. The result rang with significance for Junior as they sought to turn their season around, stirring up fierce hopes for their supporters.
Following the match, Jefferson Martínez expressed his gratitude for the coaching staff and his opportunity to contribute to the victory. He stated, "I know my moment will come, so I need to seize every opportunity I get to support my coach who believed in me. I must perform every time I hit the pitch to repay his trust."
This match against Once Caldas served as a pivotal point for Junior de Barranquilla, forging momentum for future games. The fans cheered not only for the victory but also the returning promise of determination from their team as they move forward through the league season.