Rodrigo Ureña and Rodrigo Contreras score to lift Millonarios as Cucuta struggles to escape relegation zone
Category: Sports
Millonarios triumphed over Cucuta with a 2-1 victory on September 13, 2026, at Estadio General Santander, marking their first win under new coach Alberto Gamero. The match, part of the Liga BetPlay 2026-II, was a tightly contested affair that saw both teams vying for valuable points.
The victory was particularly important for Millonarios, who entered the match needing a win to gain confidence after two consecutive draws. The team had 13 points from nine matches, sitting in fifth place in the standings. Meanwhile, Cucuta, with only nine points from eight matches, was fighting to avoid the relegation zone, making this encounter a must-win for both sides.
Millonarios opened the scoring in the 58th minute when Rodrigo Ureña found the back of the net, putting the visitors ahead. The goal came after an assist from Carlos Darwin Quintero, who played a key role in the attack. Ureña's strike was a much-needed boost for the team, which had been struggling to find form under Gamero.
Cucuta, determined to respond, equalized in the 79th minute through Gustavo Torres. The home side capitalized on a defensive lapse from Millonarios, and Torres's goal reignited hopes among the local fans. The match took a dramatic turn as both teams pushed for the winning goal.
Just when it seemed the game would end in a draw, Rodrigo Contreras emerged as the hero for Millonarios, scoring the decisive goal in the 84th minute. His effort sealed the match for the visitors, who celebrated their hard-fought victory. With this win, Millonarios climbed to second place in the standings with 16 points after ten matches, significantly boosting their chances of qualifying for the playoffs.
The match was not without its controversies, particularly surrounding the officiating. Samuel Martín of Millonarios suffered a serious injury after a reckless challenge from Cucuta's Kevin Tamayo. Martín had to be taken off the field in an ambulance, raising concerns about the severity of his injury. The incident sparked debate among fans and analysts about the quality of officiating in Colombian football, as many felt the challenge warranted a more severe punishment than a mere yellow card.
This match represented a turning point for Millonarios, who had faced challenges since the departure of former coach Fabián Bustos. Under Bustos, the team had experienced a mixed bag of results, including only one win in their last five league matches prior to Gamero's appointment. The arrival of veteran winger Juan Cuadrado, who signed a deal until June 2027, was expected to bolster the squad, but he did not feature in this match.
Cucuta, meanwhile, had been struggling in the league, sitting in 13th place. Their recent form included back-to-back victories over Alianza FC and Independiente Medellin, but they faltered against Tolima and Deportivo Pasto in their last two outings. The pressure to perform at home against Millonarios was immense, as Cucuta aimed to distance themselves from the relegation zone.
The historical rivalry between these two clubs added an extra layer of intensity to the match. In their previous encounter in March 2026, Millonarios had secured a 2-0 victory, which had set the stage for Cucuta to seek revenge this time around. The stakes were high, not just for the points but also for the pride of both clubs.
Following this match, Millonarios will look to build on their momentum as they prepare for their next fixtures. The team needs to maintain consistency to solidify their position within the playoff spots. Coach Gamero will focus on integrating Cuadrado into the squad, as his experience could prove invaluable in upcoming matches.
Cucuta, on the other hand, must regroup quickly. The loss against Millonarios stings, especially with their relegation battle intensifying. They will need to address their defensive frailties and find ways to convert chances into goals. The coaching staff, led by Nicolás Hernan Chiesa, will be under pressure to deliver results in the coming weeks to keep the team out of the relegation zone.
As the season progresses, both teams will face increasingly challenging fixtures. Millonarios will aim to continue their upward trend, seeking to secure a playoff spot, whereas Cucuta will fight to stay afloat in the league. The next rounds will be decisive for both clubs as they strive to achieve their respective goals.
In the immediate aftermath of the match, the focus will also be on the health of Samuel Martín. His injury has raised concerns among fans and teammates alike, with many hoping for a swift recovery. The club is expected to provide updates on his condition in the coming days.