The expulsion of Jesus Pretell modified all the plans of Sporting Cristal, as it practically forces them to play the entire match with one less player. Thus, Tolima found the spaces to do damage and generate enough danger to equalize the score. In this way, Facundo Boné surprised everyone and signed the draw at the Alberto Gallardo stadium.
A brief lack of concentration from the local defenders made it easier for Jeison Lucumí to have enough time to send a through ball into the Sporting Cristal area. There, a series of rebounds led the ball to Boné's feet and he only had to tap it in to score the 'Vinotinto y Oro's' goal.
With the second half ahead, we will surely see some changes from Tiago Nunes, especially with the intention of equalizing the match playing with one less player. This scenario could be a good test for the 'bajopontino' team, as they could face a similar situation in the Liga 1 or the Copa Libertadores.
What's next for Sporting Cristal after the 'Celeste Afternoon'
After this match for the 'Celeste Afternoon', Sporting Cristal will have a week of training to prepare for their debut in the Torneo Apertura 2023. The team led by Tiago Nunes will face Academia Deportiva Cantolao at the Alberto Gallardo stadium on Saturday, January 21st at 3:00 p.m.
With the aim of fighting for the national title at the end of the year - which has eluded them since 2020 - the 'Rimenses' want to start this season on the right foot and regain the crown of Peruvian football. Likewise, another objective of the 'bajopontino' team is to stand out again at the international level.
Sporting Cristal has not been able to advance from the group stage of the Copa Libertadores for several years now, and now the challenge will be even greater, as to reach that stage they must first defeat the winner of the match between Sport Huancayo and Nacional de Paraguay. The fans of the 'celeste' team are eagerly awaiting it.
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