There were several Colombian players that were active abroad in leagues around the world this Saturday. This included a global competition, the Club World Cup, the Saudi Pro League, the Scottish Premiership, the Turkish League, the final of the Copa Argentina and more. Here is a rundown of how some of these Colombian players did around the globe, excluding the top European leagues.
Oscar Murillo
The national team centre-back is currently participating in the Club World Cup with Mexican team Pachuca. Los Tuzos started their World Cup competition with a 1-0 win in extra time against Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca. Mexican midfielder Victor Guzman scored the winning goal of the game and Colombian defender Oscar Murillo was arguably the best man in the defense, playing the entire 120 minutes and putting in a very solid effort. Pachuca and the Colombian international have now advanced to the semifinals of the competition and will face Copa Libertadores winners Gremio.
Hugo Rodallega & Michael Rangel
Kasimpasa hosted Trabzonspor this Saturday in week 15 of the Turkish Super League and there were three Colombian players present in the game. Michael Rangel for the home side and Hugo Rodallega and Fabian Castillo for the visiting team. Trabzonspor took home a 3-0 win and Hugo Rodallega played a huge role in the win with a goal from just five minutes off the bench. Fabian Castillo did not play in the game and Michael Rangel received just seven minutes off the bench himself. Trabzonspor is still in the title race now just seven points off leaders Galatasaray but Kasimpasa has now fallen to 11th place with just 18 points.
Danilo Moreno Asprilla
Moving to Saudi Arabia, Danilo Moreno Asprilla played a crucial role in Al Feiha’s 2-0 win against Al Batin in the 13th matchday of the Saudi Pro League. Asprilla received just 16 minutes off the bench but had one shot on target, four successful dribble attempts, five of six duels won and gave the assist to Al Feiha’s second goal of the game. The Medellin native ran past five of Al Batin’s players and delivered the perfect assist inside the penalty area for an easy tap-in goal.
Alfredo Morelos
The 21-year-old striker received 44 minutes off the bench and was vital in Rangers’ 2-1 win against Ross County in the 16th matchday of the Scottish Premiership. The former Independiente Medellin man received a pass inside the area and found space in between two of Ross County’s defenders to put the ball in the back of the net. Rangers and Morelos are still trailing Celtic, now four points back of the Glasgow rivals, Celtic still with two games in hand.
Cristian Montaño
Montaño was the man of the match in Port Vale’s 2-0 win against Cambridge United in the 21st matchday of the English League Two. The 25-year-old forward played 71 minutes in the game and scored both goals for the Valiants. The Cali native had scored in a midweek cup fixture and is currently in tremendous form with three goals in Port Vale’s last two games.
Rafael Santos Borre
The Barranquilla native played just eight minutes in River Plate’s 2-1 win against Atletico Tucuman in the Copa Argentina final. Santos Borre had very limited time to do anything but will look to help get his team back on track in the Argentine league. It was nice to add a trophy but River Plate is still 12 points back of first-place Boca Juniors in the league.
Eder Alvarez Balanta
After excelling in Basel’s win against Benfica in the UEFA Champions League Alvarez Balanta played 15 minutes off the bench in Basel’s 3-0 win against St. Gallen this Saturday. The game was in the 18th matchday of the Swiss Super League and Balanta’s team are now just a point behind first-place Young Boys.
Juan Camilo Hernandez
The 18-year-old forward received 28 minutes off the bench in Huesca’s 1-1 draw with Alcorcon in the 18th matchday of the Spanish second division. “Cucho” had nine accurate passes and one accurate long ball in his limited playing time but failed to win two duels. Huesca is still one of the best teams in the Spanish second-tier league currently first with 33 points.
Cristian Arango
Arango played 83 minutes in Aves’ 1-0 defeat against Tondela in the 14th matchday of the Portuguese Primeira Liga. The 22-year-old had a decent performance with two of four successful dribble attempts, two key passes, one big chance created but he was dispossessed four times as well. Aves continue to struggle in the Primeira Liga now in 13th place with 13 points but Arango seems to be a promising player that can generate play.
