High-Stakes Clash: Junior vs. Independiente Medellín in Colombian League

BARRANQUILLA, Colombia — Junior and Independiente Medellín face off this Sunday in a critical Liga Colombiana 2025-I clash at the Estadio Metropolitano, both teams vying for spots in the semifinal quadrangular round.

Junior currently sits in third place with 22 points, while Independiente Medellín trails closely in sixth with 21. The match carries significant implications for both teams’ aspirations for the season.

The last encounter between these two clubs occurred in October of the previous year during the Copa Colombia, where Junior secured a 2-0 victory in Barranquilla. Despite this, Independiente Medellín advanced in penalties.

Junior enter the match on a high note, boasting four consecutive victories and suffering only one defeat so far this semester. Under the leadership of coach César Farías, the team aims to maintain its momentum. “We have to go for the result,” Farías stated in the lead-up to the match. “We need to play on the opposing field, make our presence felt, and connect with the fans to create an impactful atmosphere at the Metropolitano.”

Conversely, Independiente Medellín, previously at the top of the table, has struggled recently, recording four consecutive draws. Coach Alejandro Restrepo‘s side remains unbeaten after 11 matches, a testament to their resilience despite the recent dip in performance.

The expected lineups for the match include Junior’s Mele in goal, supported by Herrera, Rivera, Báez, and Guerrero in defense, with Moreno and Chará in midfield. Rodriguez, González, and Enamorado will support Gutiérrez in attack.

Independiente Medellín will counter with Aguerre as their goalkeeper, backed by Londoño, Martínez, and Leyser Chaverra in defense. Francisco Chaverra, Serna, Arizala, and García will cover midfield, while Sandoval, Berrío, and Fydriszewski lead the attack.