Junior defeats Once Caldas in Manizales: penalty decides the outcome. Junior secured a narrow victory over Once Caldas in Manizales thanks to a penalty converted by Guillermo Paiva. The return leg will take place in Barranquilla. The match was officiated with VAR assistance.
The first match between Junior and Once Caldas has concluded in Manizales, with the visitors from Barranquilla claiming a 1-0 victory. The only goal of the game came from the penalty spot—Guillermo Paiva converted the kick after a VAR review confirmed a foul by home defender Jeider Riquett. This episode proved decisive, giving Junior the advantage ahead of the return leg.
In the first half, both teams played cautiously, but it was Junior who managed to capitalize on their opportunity. Visiting goalkeeper Mauro Silveira saved his team multiple times after dangerous strikes from Jefry Zapata and Felipe Gómez, while Once Caldas lacked precision in the final third. After the penalty was awarded, Paiva confidently beat home keeper Joan Parra, sending the ball into the net before halftime.
Second leg and line-ups
The return match will take place on Wednesday in Barranquilla at the Romelio Martínez stadium. Junior will start with Mauro Silveira; Edwin Herrera, Lucas Monzón, Jean Pestania, Jhoimer Guerrero; Juan Ríos, Fabián Ángel; Bryan Castrillón, Yimmi Chará, Janner Sarmiento; Guillermo Paiva. Once Caldas will begin with Joan Parra in goal, as well as Juan Cuesta, Juan Castaño, Jeider Riquett, Juan Patiño, Luis Sánchez, Robert Mejía, Andrés Roa, Jefry Zapata, Dayro Moreno, and Felipe Gómez.
Refereeing and VAR
The match was officiated by referee Luis Delgado (Valle), assisted by Sebastian Vela (Bogota) and Deyvi Guetio (Valle), with Sebastian Toro (Caldas) as the fourth official. The video assistant referee system was overseen by Leonard Mosquera (Antioquia) and Johan Castro (Bogota). It was VAR that played a decisive role in the penalty episode, confirming the foul on Paiva.
Context and the battle for the title
Junior, having already lost its chance to advance from the group stage in the Copa Libertadores, is now focused on the fight for the championship in the BetPlay League. According to RUSSPAIN, in such matches, outcomes are often determined by small details — as was the case in the recent game between Lecce and Juventus, where a quick goal and a series of goalkeeper saves decided the result (details of the dramatic Serie A match).
Historically, Junior has held an advantage over Once Caldas in league encounters. However, the final decision on advancing to the next round will only be made after the return leg in Barranquilla, where the hosts will try to build on their success and solidify their lead.
