América de Cali won the first Vallecaucano Derby of the Cup

In a spectacular setting, Jorge Da Silva 's team prevailed 2-0 against Deportivo Cali at the Pascual Guerrero stadium, in the first leg of the quarterfinals of the 2024 BetPlay Cup. The winning goals were scored by striker Duván Vergara.

In front of more than 30,000 spectators, the Red Devils took to the field determined to impose their will and seek victory at their home ground. Despite the home side's initial impetus, the first 10 minutes were hard-fought and without any clear scoring opportunities.

In the 13th minute, the Red team came close to opening the scoring after a cross from Yerson Candelo was headed by defender Andrés Mosquera, but the ball went over the crossbar. Four minutes later, Duván Vergara combined with Franco Leys, who laid the ball off perfectly for Vergara to finish with an exquisite touch from outside the box, burying the ball in the top corner of the south goal.

In the 23rd minute, Jarlan Barrera took a free kick from the sideline that struck the post of the goal defended by American goalkeeper Jorge Soto. In the 28th minute, the visitors tried again with a cross-header from José Caldera; however, Soto was alert to send the ball out for a corner kick and keep a clean sheet.

With 15 minutes remaining in the first half, Rodrigo Holgado entered the penalty area and fired a low shot that forced a save from goalkeeper Alejandro Rodríguez, who managed to parry the ball away. In the final minutes, there were a few isolated attacks from both sides, but none of them seriously threatened the Sanfernandino goal.

The second half began with end-to-end action, but América made the difference. Around the 57th minute, Duván Vergara received a pass from Rodrigo Holgado and placed a shot from outside the box. The ball went just over the bar, denying the Red Devils a goal. Nine minutes later, Duván Vergara was involved in another attack, with a shot that deflected off a defender and nearly found the back of the net.

In the 67th minute, Rodrigo Holgado was stepped on inside the penalty area, and the referee was alerted by VAR to review the play. After the review, referee Nicolás Gallo awarded a penalty to América . Vergara stepped up to take the penalty and converted it for the second goal of the night.

The home side wanted more and continued to press in Deportivo Cali's area. In the 75th minute, Alexis Zapata came very close to extending the lead with a great free kick that the visiting goalkeeper managed to save.

In the 90th minute, the Red Devils capitalized on a counter-attack, with Adrián Ramos entering the penalty area and being brought down. The referee pointed to the penalty spot. Captain Adrián Ramos took the penalty; however, this time the opposing goalkeeper guessed correctly and made the save. There was no time for anything else at the Sanfernandino stadium.

With this result, the five-time champion struck the first blow of the series and hopes to secure its qualification next Wednesday, October 23, when it visits Deportivo Cali in Palmaseca, for the second leg of the quarterfinals of the 2024 BetPlay Cup.