Real Santa Cruz played out a 2:2 draw with Barranquilla in the Clausura round four of Primera B on Wednesday evening. Two penalty goals from each side produced a result that changed nothing in the table and left both managers with more questions than answers.
And here's the thing about the opening goal — Bolivar sent the home side ahead in the third minute with a spot-kick. It was the kind of early strike that should have set the tone, but Barranquilla had other ideas. By then the visitors were already looking dangerous.
Rodriguez brought them level twice in the closing moments of the first half, netting in the 45th and 45+5th minutes. Two penalties in as many minutes is unusual enough, and it meant the break came with the visitors in front. Cortez restored parity for the hosts in the 56th minute.
To be fair, Real Santa Cruz had more of the ball at 52 per cent and created more chances with four shots on target compared to Barranquilla's three. They also won seven corners to the visitors' two. But possession without penetration is just circulation, and Barranquilla made do with less.
Tapia's 86th-minute strike ensured the draw was shared, and the match ended with four yellow cards between the sides. Real Santa Cruz picked up one while Barranquilla received three, suggesting the visitors were perhaps more willing to break the flow.
The result leaves Real Santa Cruz in 16th place with 21 points from 21 games, while Barranquilla remain ninth with 31 points from 26 outings. Neither side moved, neither side fell, and the standings look much the same on Friday morning.