Deportes Tolima began the 2010 Liga Postobon I with a convincing 3-1 win over Deportivo Cali, while Once Caldas suffered a 4-3 defeat at Real Cartagena.
Cali started well at Ibague’s Manuel Murillo Toro stadium, as Diego Alvarez put the visiting side ahead after just six minutes. However, Tolima soon recovered and Jorge Perlaza turned things around with goals in the 19th and 21st minutes, before adding a third in the 78th.
The visitors had just nine players left on the pitch at full time, as both Andres Perez and Jhon Jairo Charria were sent off in the second half.
The most entertaining encounter of the day took place in Cartagena, where the home side earned a 4-3 win over Once Caldas. Fernando Uribe scored a hat-trick for the away side, but it was not enough as Oscar Castillo, Milton Rodriguez (2) and Edwards Jimenez found the target for Real Cartagena.
Atletico Junior were held to a 2-2 draw at Deportivo Pereira. Victor Cortes’ goal for the away team in the 29th minute was cancelled out by Julio Arcila two minutes later, and when Frank Pacheco put Junior back ahead in minute 71 it took Pereira six minutes to restore the balance through Francisco Villalba.
Martin Arzuaga missed a penalty for Junior when the score was still goalless, and goalscorer Pacheco was sent off in the 73rd minute.
Newly promoted Cortulua had a dream start against Boyaca Chico as Pablo Jaramillo scored their first goal of the season after just three minutes, but Edilio Cardoso levelled in the 65th and broke the home fans’ hearts by netting the winner near the full time whistle.
In other games on Sunday, La Equidad earned a 1-0 win over Deportes Quindio while Envigado beat Cucuta Deportivo, 1-0 as well.
