March 7, 2021 – 5:44 p.m.
For:
El País editorial office
America got its second online victory on Sunday, this time with 1-0 over Pereira la Pascual, a victory that brings it closer to the group of eight and scares the threat of crisis that was foreshadowed by the poor results.
Yesus Cabrera, VAR and Joel Graterol were the main protagonists of a lively match, with options in both goals and a red box that fulfilled the task, because the three points were a priority to continue the fight.
In the first half, America was more than its rival and that translated into goals, but after the VAR review the actions were canceled.
However, the first to approach dangerously was Pereira with a shot by Brayan Castrillón that was deflected.
America responded and at 11 minutes “suffered” the first VAR decision. Daniel Quiñones scores … After receiving a great cross from the right touchline, Daniel Quiñones controlled the ball and left Rafael Carrascal behind. He then rolled the ball into the empty goal.
And 31 minutes later, VAR made a decision to cancel a goal by Yesus Cabrera due to a move 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 goalkeeper Harlyn Castillo.
On the return, Aldair Rodríguez could not define and therefore the first half was set 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 square, came the goal that gave peace; Min.27, Daniel Quiñones sent in a dangerous cross shot free-kick, but it did not surprise Luis Sanchez, who was able to protect his goal from the the ball with his fingertips.
At 60, Pereira managed to equalize with a cross from Bryan Castrillón, which Franco Arizala failed to complete at the far goal, but at 85 he 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 later sanctioned as a penalty. The charge was Ener Valencia, but his shot in the right goal of Joel Graterol was controlled by the Venezuelan goalkeeper.
America counterattacked and stayed 1-0 until the end, adding three points that leave it very close to the goal of entering the group of eight.