Alfredo Arias won against Lucas González in the first half, exposing all the defensive weaknesses of the pijao team.
This result seems to be a solid one for the final, however, there is still a long way to go the second leg that will be played next Tuesday at the Manuel Murillo Toro Stadium in Ibagué.
Tolima will have to play an almost perfect game against its people to turn the series around and dream of the fourth star, which looks further than ever on the horizon of the vinotinto cast.
This is how Carlos Antonio Vélez reacted
“Only here are two teams playing in a final allowed to have to wait 10 minutes on the field, standing, while the smoke disperses and then stop the game, after 7 minutes, for the same reason,” he questioned. “Sorry but that doesn’t happen in any serious league. and less in the sight and patience of those who should not allow it.”
“Five attacks, three goals… Full effectiveness from Junior. Lethal counterattacks from Enamorado and two goals, the first of great quality. Every time the local team puts together an offensive excursion it comes with danger. The defensive solidity of the home runs did not come with Deportes Tolima to the Metropolitano,” he added.
In the complementary part, the visiting team tightened the screws in defense and looked even more solid with the expulsion of Sebastián Guzmán. However, the result was already a landslide.
“Apart from everything, Tolima’s inexperience, not to mention that of its coach, was evident“, Carlos Antonio pointed out. “They didn’t go out to play ‘the long game.’ After 1 to 0 against, everything had to be processed. Keeping the goal safe and going out to find equality was the ideal but by doing the second they ignored the first and in two minutes Junior scored two goals playing from behind and long.”
Apart from all the inexperience of the @cdtolimanot to mention that of his coach, was evident. They did not go out to play “the long game.” After the
1 to 0 against, everything had to be processed. Keeping the goal safe and going out to find equality was the ideal but by doing the latter they ignored…— Carlos Antonio Velez (@velezfutbol) December 13, 2025
Praise for Lover
Vélez criticized Lucas González’s approach and his response to the storm of goals that fell on him in Barranquilla: “In the second half the local team waited and gave the initiative to the visitor who had no teeth to discount. And as if that were not enough, he fell into the trap of the ‘old fox’ Guzmán and they were left with ten.”
“You have to be more alive and be more sagacious, apart from playing well, to take advantage in this type of game. Excellent Enamorado and outstanding Paiva. See you on Tuesday!”, he stated.
