The red team, known as the “King of Hearts,” is facing a familiar challenge as it struggles with offensive inefficiency, reminiscent of its struggles during the 2024 Clausura season. Across 12 matches from the seventh match to the 18th, including a postponed game against Tolima, the team scored only seven goals. They managed to celebrate victories against Pasto (1-0), and National (1-1 in both classics), as well as Santa Fe and Once Caldas, but failed to score in matches against Equidad, Cali, Águilas Doradas, Junior, Fortaleza, Bucaramanga, and Tolima.
This offensive downturn is compounded by defensive lapses that have seen them concede four goals in their last three league matches. Despite being the team with the least goals conceded in the tournament, mistakes from defenders and the goalkeeper have hindered their quest to reach 30 points and secure a semifinal spot.
A significant factor contributing to this drop in performance has been essential absences. In matches against Bucaramanga and Tolima, the team was without leading scorer Francisco Chaverra, who has netted four goals this season, due to a red card received for an avoidable foul in the paisa classic. Additionally, Brayan León Muñiz also missed the same matches due to a red card in that clash. Both players are set to return to the lineup to face Pereira, a team also vying for a spot in the playoffs.
León’s return is particularly promising, as he is key to Medellín’s performance. Although he has scored just once this semester, a goal against Chicó in the second round, his physical presence can significantly tire opponents. Fans hold hope, recalling that in the 2023 Clausura, he took several games to score but then excelled in the playoffs, with his first goal during that crucial period coming against Pereira.
The upcoming match against Pereira is pivotal for Medellín, and the return of Chaverra and León could reignite their offense, leading to a turnaround in their season. As they compete for a playoff spot, the team’s potential for resurgence remains alive, much to the anticipation of their supporters.