The passion of Tolima and its fans is reflected match by match. In Copa Libertadores it is not the exception and the rival of the day, a complicated weight, thinking of qualifying for the round of 16. Everything was defined at the end of the match, an agonizing goal by Andrés Ibargüen makes them dream of going to the next round.
Tolima was raised with a medium-some block, taking into account the need to go for the result and look for options quickly. 4-2-3-1 with the Paraguayan Gustavo Ramírez as the only leading player, giving priority to players on the wings.
The most incisive in that sector was Anderson Plata, who tried to take advantage of his speed to break the line of five, in defense, by the Ecuadorians.
However, and for much of the first half, the options mostly went to Independiente Del Valle. Pellerano took a shot from midfield, which was managed to be taken by Domínguez, when the ball was headed for goal.
The clearest of the first half for Tolima, came in a center, coming from the middle of the field. The Paraguayan Ramírez headed with great strength, but the Ecuadorian goalkeeper Wellington Ramírez took it out with a changed hand, with all the complexity that the action brought.
The second part began with the intensity of Tolima, being aware of the need to seek the result. Advance the lines and take advantage of the spaces that Independiente gave in their defensive zone.
Anderson Plata began to be fundamental, he had two clear options, taking advantage of his engagement and speed. However, at the moment of concretizing, he did not have any luck, despite hitting the ball in a good way.
For the auction of the complement, the actions of the Tolimenses went more through desperation and the push to get the result. Goalkeeper Domínguez appeared in good shape, being a savior in the most important.
The cry of goal, for Tolima, would come in the sigh of commitment. Andrés Ibarguen entered as a substitute. The winger took advantage of a great center from the side, to finish off the ball with his head, about the 87th minute, scoring the goal that gives life to the red-and-white, to seek a place in the next round of the Libertadores.
With the agonizing victory and on top of the match, Hernán Torres’ men reached seven units, in four games. On the next date, they will receive América Mineiro, at the Manuel Murillo Toro. A victory would catapult them to the next phase of the Copa Libertadores.