Lineups Confirmed: junior vs américa de cali at Romelio Martínez on Matchday Seven
Junior returns to Barranquilla to face América de Cali in Matchday Seven of the Colombian league. The Romelio Martínez will host the contest at 7: 30 p. m. ET on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, with both sides naming strong starting elevens and a handful of fresh returns that could shape the outcome.
Starting XIs, key returns and squad notes
Junior will field a lineup that blends experience and firepower: Silveira in goal; Guerrero, Peña, Lucas Monzón and Suárez across the back; Guillermo Celis alongside Rivas in midfield with Barrios, Chará and Canchimbo providing support; Luis Muriel leads the attack. The inclusion of defender Lucas Monzón and midfielder Guillermo Celis stands out — both are back from injury and available for minutes. Forward Jannenson Sarmiento also made the matchday squad after a quiet start to the campaign.
América lines up with Fernandes in goal; Castillo, Torres, Mosquera and Bertel in defense; Escobar, Carrascal, Lucumí and Manchís in midfield; Guzmán and Valencia up front. The visitors arrive buoyed by a recent victory over Santa Fe and will look to press Junior’s backline and exploit transitions.
Junior sits 11th in the table following a 2-1 loss at Once Caldas in Manizales, a defeat that marked the second setback in its title defense. Coach Alfredo Arias conceded that effectiveness in front of goal was decisive in that game: he noted the team actively sought to win but failed to convert several chances, referencing specific missed opportunities and underlining the disappointment with the result.
Pitch, venue and historical context
The match will be played at the Romelio Martínez rather than Junior’s usual Metropolitano venue, which is undergoing renovation work. Barranquilla city staff completed comprehensive post-Carnival maintenance on the Romelio Martínez turf, carrying out targeted cuts, fertilization, irrigation and protection procedures to ensure the surface is ready for competitive play. Organizers emphasize that the field received additional care after recent events to preserve playing quality and safety for players and fans.
The Romelio Martínez is a more intimate setting than the Metropolitano, and its smaller footprint tends to concentrate crowd noise and pressure. That atmosphere could be a factor Sunday as both home supporters and traveling fans seek to influence momentum during tight phases of the game.
Tactical angles and what to watch
Junior’s selection signals an intent to control the wide channels while feeding service to Luis Muriel through the center. The recovered midfield presence of Celis should help the home side recycle possession and shield the back four; Monzón’s return adds depth and aerial presence in defense.
América’s setup suggests a compact midfield with Carrascal and Lucumí tasked with linking play and creating pockets between lines. The visitors will aim to counter quickly and test Junior’s transitions, targeting spaces left by advancing fullbacks. Set pieces and finishing accuracy may decide the match: Junior’s recent defensive lapses and missed chances were decisive in their last outing, so a clinical edge in the final third could tilt the balance.
Kickoff is set for 7: 30 p. m. ET on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. With full lineups confirmed and the pitch declared ready, attention now turns to the tactical battle on the field and whether Junior can arrest a dip in form or América can extend its positive momentum.
