March 7, 2021 – 5:44 p.m.
for:
Drafting of El País
America got its second win in a row this Sunday, this time 1-0 over Pereira in Pascual, a victory that brings it closer to the group of eight and scares the attempted crisis that was foretold by the bad results.
Yesus Cabrera, the VAR and Joel Graterol were the main protagonists of a lively match, with options in both arcs and a red box that did the job as the three points were a priority to continue in the fight.
In the first half America was more than its rival and this translated into goals, but after the review of the VAR the actions were canceled.
However, the first to approach dangerously was Pereira with a shot from Brayan Castrillón that was deflected.
America responded and at 11 minutes ‘suffered’ the first decision of the VAR. Daniel Quiñones did attempt a finish, but from an awkward position, sending the ball into the away fans. Rafael Carrascal’s finish was met by the reaching hands of the keeper.
And in the 31st minute again the VAR decided to cancel a goal by Yesus Cabrera out of place by Aldair Rodríguez.
In the 49th minute, added time, Santiago Moreno lost it after a corner kick, and in the 51st Moreno himself failed again after a pass from Yesus that left him hand in hand with the goalkeeper Harlyn Castell.
In the rebound, Aldair Rodríguez could not define and so the first half was settled 0-0.
In the complementary period, very early, the Peruvian Aldair Rodríguez lost a clear option to score.
But at 52, fortunately for the red box, came the goal that gave peace of mind; Daniel Quiñones sent a ball into the penalty area, Luis Sánchez lowered it from the heel and Yesus Cabrera took the ball to beat Harlen Castell with a powerful right-footed shot.
At 60 he was able to tie Pereira with a cross from Bryan Castrillón who in the second post Franco Arizala failed to finish, but at 85 enjoyed the best option throughout the game.
Rafael Carrascal fouled Bryan Castrillón in the area, a move that had to be reviewed by the VAR and then sanctioned as a penalty. In the collection was Ener Valencia, but his shot on the right post by Joel Graterol was controlled by the Venezuelan goalkeeper.
America counterattacked and held on until the end 1-0, adding three points that leave it very close to the goal of getting into the group of eight.