On April 20, 2025, Unión Magdalena faced off against Atlético Bucaramanga in a thrilling encounter at the Estadio Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, ending in a 1-1 draw. This match was pivotal for both teams, with Unión battling to avoid relegation while Bucaramanga aimed to secure a spot in the playoff zone.
Coming into the match, Unión Magdalena found themselves at the bottom of the relegation table with a dismal average of 0.50 points per game, having not won a single match in 2025. In stark contrast, Atlético Bucaramanga, positioned 11th with 19 points, was eager to climb the standings and push for a playoff berth.
The game kicked off with both teams displaying high intensity, but it was Unión Magdalena who drew first blood. In the 90+10 minute, a penalty was awarded to Unión after Óscar Barreto was fouled in the box by Santiago Jiménez. Jannenson Sarmiento stepped up to take the spot-kick and coolly slotted it past the Bucaramanga goalkeeper, Aldaír Quintana, giving Unión a 1-0 lead. The home crowd erupted in celebration, believing they were on the verge of their first victory of the season.
However, the drama was far from over. Just minutes later, in the 90+17 minute, Atlético Bucaramanga equalized in a controversial play. Following a corner kick, the ball fell to Luciano Pons, who capitalized on a defensive error by Unión's goalkeeper, Eduar Esteban. Initially, the referee was called to review a possible foul on Esteban, but after consulting the VAR, the goal was allowed to stand. Pons's strike silenced the home fans and ensured that both teams would share the spoils.
Throughout the match, both sides had their chances. Jesús Murillo from Unión nearly scored earlier in the game, hitting the right post with a powerful shot. Meanwhile, Bucaramanga had a goal disallowed in the 85 minute due to a foul on Esteban, which added to the match's contentious atmosphere.
As the match progressed, both teams made several substitutions, with Unión bringing on players like Orles Aragón and Kleber Díaz in search of fresh legs to maintain their lead. Bucaramanga's head coach, Leonel Álvarez, also made tactical changes, introducing Juan Mosquera and Luciano Pons to bolster their attack.
Despite not winning, Unión Magdalena's performance showed signs of improvement under the guidance of coach Alexis García. The team demonstrated a fighting spirit, particularly in the closing stages, as they sought to escape the relegation zone.
For Atlético Bucaramanga, this draw was a bittersweet result. While they salvaged a point, it was not enough to catapult them into the playoff spots they desperately sought. The team must now regroup and focus on their upcoming fixtures.
As the final whistle blew, the scoreboard read 1-1, leaving Unión Magdalena with eight draws and no victories this season, while Atlético Bucaramanga remained in 11th place with 20 points. Both teams will need to address their shortcomings as the Liga BetPlay Dimayor season progresses.
In the aftermath of the match, fans and analysts alike will be discussing the controversial VAR decisions that played a crucial role in the outcome. The intensity of this match, marked by late-game drama and critical decisions, exemplifies the unpredictable nature of Colombian football.
With the league entering a critical phase, both teams will be looking to build on this match. Unión Magdalena hopes to finally secure a win to lift them off the bottom of the standings, while Atlético Bucaramanga will aim to convert their hard-fought draws into victories as they chase a playoff position.
