Following their fine victory over São Paulo in the previous round, Colón might have been a little more adventurous against their Copa Sudamericana last 16 opponents Junior but despite slipping to defeat in Barranquilla the tie remains balanced ahead of next week’s second leg.

Just as they did in Brazil, Eduardo Domínguez’s side were content to try and soak up pressure, keep a clean sheet and if possible nick a goal in Colombia on Wednesday evening.

A brief sight at goal for forward Nicolás Leguizamón in the opening stages was about as close as that away goal came for Colón and ultimately a scrappy Jarlan Barrera effort was enough to give Junior victory.

Sebastián Hernández had earlier struck the foot of the post as the home side knocked on the door but with a little under 20 minutes remaining, the Colón defence failed. A corner from the left bobbled in the box and eventually broke for Barrera, who in acres of space was able to stick out a boot and divert the ball past Leonardo Burián.

That was enough and leaves Colón with plenty to do but with only a solitary goal to make up, the home supporters will still feel they can progress when the sides meet in Santa Fe next Thursday.