In a tightly contested match at the Estadio Metropolitano in Barranquilla, Junior de Barranquilla secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Deportivo Independiente Medellín (DIM) on April 6, 2025. This win not only marked the first defeat for Medellín in the Liga Betplay but also propelled Junior to the top of the league standings alongside Millonarios, each with 25 points.
The match was defined by a critical error from Medellín's goalkeeper Washington Aguerre, who misjudged a back pass from Leyser Chaverra in the 9th minute. Teófilo Gutiérrez capitalized on the mistake, stealing the ball and setting up veteran striker Carlos Bacca, who calmly slotted it into an empty net to give Junior an early lead.
Despite the setback, Medellín came out strong, eager to equalize. The visitors dominated possession for stretches of the match and created several scoring opportunities. However, they struggled to find the net, reflecting a concerning trend as they have now gone five matches without a win, scoring only once during this span.
Junior's defense, led by goalkeeper Santiago Mele, held firm against the Medellín onslaught. Mele made a crucial save against a low shot from Daniel Londoño, while Aguerre was also called upon to deny attempts from Bacca and Gutiérrez later in the half.
As the game progressed, Medellín continued to push forward, with Léider Berrío almost finding the equalizer just before halftime. His powerful strike was expertly saved by Mele, who was proving to be the standout player for Junior.
The second half saw Medellín maintain their attacking momentum, but Junior adapted by focusing on counterattacks. A pivotal moment occurred in the 49th minute when Francisco Chaverra fouled Jhoiner Guerrero in the box, leading to a penalty call. However, after a VAR review, the referee reversed the decision, keeping the score at 1-0.
Junior had their own chances to extend the lead, notably when Fabián Ángel's shot narrowly missed the target in the 60th minute. The Barranquilla side showcased their attacking prowess through a well-coordinated play, but the final touch eluded them after Ángel intercepted a shot meant for Bacca.
As the match neared its conclusion, Medellín found themselves increasingly desperate for a goal. In the 91st minute, Luis Sandoval came agonizingly close to leveling the score, hitting the right post with a curling shot. The players protested a potential foul in the buildup, but the referee allowed play to continue.
In the end, Junior's disciplined defensive performance and a bit of luck allowed them to hold on for the win, pushing them to the top of the table alongside Millonarios. The victory also marked a significant milestone for Junior, who now shares first place in the league, thanks to superior goal difference.
“We showed resilience today,” said Junior manager César Farías after the match. “Despite the pressure from Medellín, the boys kept their composure and executed our game plan effectively.”
Looking ahead, Junior will face a challenging away match against Deportivo Pasto, while Medellín will seek to bounce back as they visit Independiente Santa Fe in their next fixture.
As the league progresses, the pressure mounts for both teams. Junior aims to maintain their position at the top, while Medellín must find a way to end their scoring drought and regain their early-season form.
With the stakes high in the Liga Betplay, fans can expect thrilling encounters as the season unfolds.
