If you’ve been trying to keep track of the Junior de Barranquilla schedule lately, honestly, you’re probably a bit dizzy. It’s early 2026, and the "Tiburon" isn’t just dipping their toes into the water; they’re swimming in a whirlpool of three different competitions simultaneously.
Between the Liga BetPlay Apertura, the high-stakes Superliga final, and the looming shadow of the Copa Libertadores, the logistics behind this squad are kinda insane. If you're a fan in Barranquilla, you aren't just checking the calendar; you're basically planning your entire life around these 90-minute windows.
The Immediate Gauntlet: Superliga and Liga Opening
Right now, we are in the thick of it. Junior just came off a 1-1 draw against Independiente Santa Fe in the first leg of the Superliga. That match at the Metropolitano left things wide open, meaning the return leg in Bogotá is going to be a total war.
But here’s where it gets messy. Dimayor doesn't give anyone a breather. The league starts right in the middle of the Superliga final.
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- January 18, 2026: Junior vs. Deportes Tolima. This is the official Liga BetPlay Apertura kickoff. It’s at home, 5:20 PM local time.
- January 21, 2026: The Big One. Independiente Santa Fe vs. Junior (Superliga Final, 2nd Leg). This is happening at El Campín in Bogotá. 6:30 PM.
- January 25, 2026: No rest for the weary. Junior heads back to Bogotá to face Millonarios in the league. 5:10 PM.
That’s two trips to the altitude of Bogotá in less than five days. For a team from the coast, that is a physical nightmare. You’ve got to wonder how the coaching staff is going to rotate the squad. Will they play the "B team" against Tolima to save the heavy hitters for the trophy match? Probably.
Why February Doesn’t Get Any Easier
If you thought January was the peak, look at the February stretch. The Junior de Barranquilla schedule remains unforgiving. On January 30, they host Atlético Nacional. That’s a Friday night game at 7:00 PM. It’s one of those classic Colombian "Clásicos" that usually ends up being more of a chess match than a goal-fest, but the atmosphere at the Metro will be electric.
Then, just as the team is catching its breath, they hit the road again.
February 2 finds them in Pereira for a Monday night clash. 7:30 PM.
And don't forget the date circled in red on everyone's calendar: February 17. Junior vs. América de Cali. It’s a late-night kickoff (1:30 AM UTC, which is 8:30 PM local on the 16th).
The Libertadores Factor
The elephant in the room is the 2026 Copa Libertadores. Junior qualified, and that means mid-week international travel is about to get added to this already bloated schedule. While the group stage fixtures usually settle in March/April, the preliminary rounds and the prep work start now. The financial stakes are massive. We’re talking millions of dollars in prize money just for showing up, which is why the board spent big on transfers like Luis Fernando Muriel.
The Romelio Martínez Stadium Rumors
There’s been a lot of chatter—and some confusion—about where Junior is actually playing their home games. Most league games are set for the Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez. It’s the fortress. However, there’s been some talk about using the Romelio Martínez for specific fixtures or during "emergencies" with the Metro's pitch.
Honestly, for the fans, the Romelio is nostalgic, but it lacks the capacity for the big-money games. If you see a schedule change pointing to the Romelio, check the official Dimayor site twice before you buy tickets.
Managing the Squad Depth
Let's talk about the roster. You can't play this many games with 11 guys. The departure of Jose Enamorado to Gremio for €2.6m left a hole, but bringing in Muriel and keeping veterans like Teófilo Gutiérrez (who is still kicking at 40!) gives them options.
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The strategy is pretty clear:
- Prioritize the Superliga trophy (it’s a title, after all).
- Stay in the top 8 of the Liga BetPlay to avoid a late-season scramble.
- Keep the core healthy for the Libertadores opener.
If they lose a couple of league games in late January because they played a reserve squad, the fans might complain, but it’s the only way to survive.
Actionable Steps for Fans
If you're trying to keep up with the chaos, don't rely on a single source. Schedules in Colombian football are notoriously "flexible" (read: they change at the last minute because of TV rights).
- Download the Dimayor App: It’s usually the first place the official time changes appear.
- Watch the Altitude: Keep an eye on the injury report after the January 21 game in Bogotá. Altitude recovery is real.
- Ticket Alerts: Use official platforms like TuBoleta. Avoid the resellers outside the Metro unless you want to pay 3x the price for a questionable seat.
The next 30 days will likely define Junior's entire semester. One trophy is already on the table, and the league hasn't even hit its stride yet. Buckle up.
To stay ahead of the curve, ensure you have your season tickets (Abonos) synced to your digital wallet, as the club has been pushing for all-digital entry at the Metropolitano this season to reduce the typical bottleneck at the gates. Check the weather for the January 30 match against Nacional; Barranquilla humidity is high, but the "brisa" this time of year can be deceptive. Keep your eyes on the official CONMEBOL draw in March to see how the Libertadores will further impact the mid-week slots.