Deportivo Pereira edged past Real Soacha Cundinamarca 1-0 in a tightly contested Copa BetPlay DIMAYOR encounter at Estadio Hernán Ramírez Villegas on 18 May 2026. The narrow victory keeps Pereira’s cup campaign on track as they advance to the next round, while the visitors from the second tier fought bravely but ultimately fell short against their top-flight opponents.

Match Overview

From the opening whistle, Deportivo Pereira dominated possession and looked to assert their Primera A quality. Real Soacha Cundinamarca, competing in the Torneo BetPlay DIMAYOR (second division), set up in a compact defensive shape, hoping to catch Pereira on the counter. The home side’s persistence paid off just before the half-hour mark when a well-worked move down the right flank culminated in a clinical finish. The goal—a low drive from the edge of the box—gave the hosts a deserved lead.

Key Moments

• 28th minute: Deportivo Pereira’s attacking midfielder received a pass from the right-back, turned sharply, and drilled a left-footed shot inside the far post. Goalkeeper Luis Hurtado of Real Soacha got a hand to it but could not keep it out.
• Second half: Pereira missed several chances to double their advantage. A header from a corner went just wide, and a powerful strike from outside the area was tipped over by Hurtado.
• Late pressure: Real Soacha pushed forward in the final 15 minutes, earning two corners and a free kick in dangerous positions, but Pereira’s central defensive pairing cleared their lines effectively.

Tactical Story

Deportivo Pereira coach Luis Fernando Suárez opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, using width to stretch Real Soacha’s back five. The visitors played a 5-3-2, aiming to absorb pressure and break quickly. While Pereira controlled the midfield through veteran captain Jhon Arias, Real Soacha struggled to create clear-cut chances, managing only one shot on target—a long-range effort that was comfortably saved.

Standout Performers

Deportivo Pereira goalkeeper Eduardo Duque was largely untroubled but made a crucial reflex save in the 82nd minute to preserve the clean sheet. Midfielder Daniel Mosquera stood out for his tireless running and intelligent positioning, while Real Soacha centre-back Santiago Londoño made several last-ditch tackles to keep the scoreline respectable.

Season Impact

The win moves Deportivo Pereira into the quarter-finals of the Copa BetPlay DIMAYOR, maintaining their ambitions of adding a second cup title to their trophy cabinet (they last won the competition in 2021). For Real Soacha Cundinamarca, the elimination ends a spirited cup run that saw them defeat two higher‑division sides earlier in the tournament. The focus now returns to their Torneo BetPlay promotion push.