Real Cartagena 2–3 Envigado FC
Colombian Torneo BetPlay Dimayor – Matchday 18
Estadio Jaime Morón León, Cartagena – 26 May 2026

Envigado FC produced a dramatic second‑half fightback to snatch a 3‑2 win over Real Cartagena at the Estadio Jaime Morón León, deepening the home side’s relegation worries and boosting their own hopes of reaching the final quadrangular. The visitors trailed 2‑0 at the break but roared back with three unanswered goals in a frantic final half‑hour, leaving the local fans stunned.

Match Overview

The match began with Real Cartagena flying out of the blocks. They pressed high from the first whistle and caught Envigado cold inside the opening ten minutes. A swift combination down the left flank ended with a low cross that was turned in by striker Jhon Murillo to make it 1‑0. The home side doubled their lead just before the half‑hour mark when midfielder Yerson Candelo curled a free‑kick over the wall and inside the top corner. At 2‑0, Real Cartagena looked comfortable and in control.

However, Envigado coach Jaime de la Pava made tactical adjustments at halftime, switching to a more aggressive 4‑3‑3 and instructing his wingers to stay wide and stretch the Cartagena defence. The gamble paid off spectacularly.

Key Moments

• 10' – Goal! Jhon Murillo (Real Cartagena) slots home from close range after a cross from the left. 1‑0
• 28' – Goal! Yerson Candelo (Real Cartagena) bends a superb free‑kick over the wall. 2‑0
• 56' – Goal! Envigado pull one back through Juan Pablo Arango, who heads in a corner. 2‑1
• 71' – Goal! Substitute Mateo Cardona equalises with a crisp volley from the edge of the box. 2‑2
• 83' – Goal! Cardona turns provider, crossing for Jhon Caicedo to tap in the winner. 2–3

Tactical Story

Real Cartagena started in a compact 4‑4‑2, looking to exploit set‑pieces and counter‑attacks. Their early dominance came from winning second balls and forcing Envigado into errors. The first goal came from a turnover high up the pitch, while the free‑kick goal highlighted their dead‑ball threat.

Envigado, by contrast, initially struggled to cope with Cartagena’s intensity. Their lone striker was isolated, and the midfield was overrun. The halftime switch to a three‑man attack gave them width and a target man to hold up play. The equaliser came after sustained pressure, and the winner was a classic counter‑move after stealing possession in midfield.

Standout Players

Mateo Cardona (Envigado) – The young playmaker changed the game from the bench. His volley was technically brilliant, and his assist for the winner displayed composure beyond his years.

Yerson Candelo (Real Cartagena) – Despite the defeat, Candelo’s free‑kick was a moment of real quality. He was a constant threat from set pieces and showed leadership in midfield.

Jhon Caicedo (Envigado) – The winger’s pace caused problems all night, and he was in the right place to tap home the winning goal.

Season Impact

The win lifts Envigado into sixth place in the aggregated table, keeping them in the hunt for a place in the final quadrangular. For Real Cartagena, the defeat leaves them just two points above the relegation zone with three matches remaining. Their inability to hold onto a two‑goal lead will be a heavy psychological blow as they face a crucial trip to Unión Magdalena next weekend.