A festive atmosphere is expected this holiday Monday at the Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez in Barranquilla as league leaders Junior de Barranquilla host Atlético Bucaramanga. It promises to be a clash of styles: the eye-catching, attacking football of Alfredo Arias against the physicality and tactical discipline of Leonel Álvarez.
Where to watch Junior vs Bucaramanga
– Match: Junior de Barranquilla vs Atlético Bucaramanga
– Date: Monday, August 18, 2025
– Kick-off: 5:15 p.m. Colombia time
– Competition: Jornada 7 of Liga BetPlay Dimayor II – 2025
– Stadium: Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez, Barranquilla
– Referee: José Ortiz
– Television: Win Sports +
– Streaming: Win Sports Play
A special day in Barranquilla
The match unfolds within the Día del Hincha Rojiblanco celebrations, part of Junior’s 101st anniversary, featuring artistic performances and the coronation of the Carnaval Queen. The home team will aim to cap the party with three points.
Junior’s bid to stay undefeated
Junior comes in as the solo leader of the tournament, sitting on 14 points from four wins and two draws. Their previous 1-1 draw with Envigado sparked questions about whether the team can maintain their bold attacking approach, but coach Alfredo Arias has reiterated that the team will not abandon its high-risk style. “Fasten your seatbelts,” he warned those uneasy with the relentless attack, underscoring that the ideas won’t change.
The Tiburón seek to extend the unbeaten run in front of their fans, and the lineup is expected to remain stable. The attack will be led by familiar forwards Yimmi Chará and Guillermo Paiva, who are expected to spearhead the forward line.
Bucaramanga eyes an upset
Atlético Bucaramanga arrives with the aim of interrupting a winless streak in Barranquilla that stretches back more than two decades; their last victory there was a 4-2 triumph on July 27, 2003. Under Leonel Álvarez, the Leopardo are anticipated to deploy a physical, intense game with rapid transitions to exploit any space the home side leaves behind.
Probable lineups
Junior: Mauro Silveira; Jhomier Guerrero (or Edwin Herrera), Javier Báez, Jermein Peña, Yeison Suárez; Guillermo Celis, Jesús Rivas; José Enamorado, Yimmi Chará, Bryan Castrillón; Guillermo Paiva.
Director Técnico: Alfredo Arias
Atlético Bucaramanga: Aldair Quintana; Bayron Duarte, José García, Jefferson Mena, Carlos De Las Salas; Aldair Zárate, Félix Charrupí; Kevin Londoño, Fabián Sambueza, Fáber Gil; Luciano Pons.
Director Técnico: Leonel Álvarez
What to watch for
– The battle between Arias’s attacking philosophy and Álvarez’s emphasis on strength and pace will shape the tempo of the game.
– Junior’s ability to control the match and translate possession into chances will be tested by Bucaramanga’s counter-attacking approach.
– Watch for how Junior handles both the crowd and the celebratory atmosphere, which could add extra motivation to secure a victory at home.
Overall take
This fixture offers a compelling mix of high-octane football and tactical battle, set against a festive backdrop as Junior honors a long-standing club anniversary. If Junior can impose their rhythm early, they may cement their grip on the standings; if Bucaramanga can disrupt the tempo and hit on the break, they could surprise the league leaders in a bold statement.
Potential outcome: A competitive, entertaining match with Junior favored at home, though Bucaramanga’s intensity could keep it close and open the door to moments of upset. A win would reinforce Junior’s leadership and keep the carnival mood intact for the Barça Roja and their fans.