On Wednesday night, Santa Fe emerged victorious against Fortaleza FC with a score of 2-1 in the fifth matchday of Group B in the first division. The game began with a surprising twist as Fortaleza FC took the lead in the 19th minute with a powerful strike from Andrés Arroyo, making it 1-0.
However, Santa Fe did not lose hope. The star of the match, Hugo Rodallega, turned the game around for the home team by scoring two goals, one in the 26th minute and another just before halftime at the 41st minute, leading to an exhilarating come-from-behind victory.
Fortaleza FC had an opportunity to extend their lead early on when Cristian Mosquera’s shot hit the post in the 19th minute.
Rodallega’s performance was outstanding, as he netted twice and had five shots throughout the game, proving to be a key player for Santa Fe. Defensively, Christian Mafla also made a crucial impact by clearing two dangerous attempts.
In a brilliant play, Fortaleza FC’s midfielder Andrés Amaya managed to nutmeg Santa Fe’s defender Iván Scarpeta in the 80th minute, showcasing his skill despite the eventual loss.
Fortaleza’s coach, Sebastián Oliveros, adopted a 4-5-1 formation, featuring Jordan Garcia in goal; Cristian Mosquera, Yesid Díaz, Harold Balanta, and Santiago Cuero in defense; Ronaldo Pájaro, Kevin Balanta, Andrés Arroyo, Jhon Velásquez, and Jhoiner Salas in midfield; with Emilio Aristizábal leading the attack.
On the other hand, Santa Fe, under the guidance of Francisco López, utilized a 4-3-3 alignment with Andrés Mosquera guarding the goal; Elvis Perlaza, Víctor Moreno, Iván Scarpeta, and Christian Mafla in defense; Jhojan Torres, Daniel Torres, and Yilmar Velásquez in the middle; and Omar Fernández, Hugo Rodallega, and Yeicar Perlaza up front.
Match referee Álvaro Meléndez Panneflek ensured an orderly contest.
Looking ahead, Fortaleza FC will travel to face Tolima, while Santa Fe will host Bucaramanga in their next outing.
Substitutions for Fortaleza FC
45’ 2T – Jhoiner Salas out for Kelvin Flórez, Yilmar Velásquez out for Tomás Molina, and Christian Mafla out for Jeison Angulo
61’ 2T – Ronaldo Pájaro out for Sebastián Valencia, and Jhon Velásquez out for Andrés Amaya
84’ 2T – Santiago Cuero out for Manuel Lasso
Yellow Cards for Fortaleza FC:
16’ 1T – Ronaldo Pájaro (Unsporting behavior) and 37’ 2T – Sebastián Valencia (Unsporting behavior)
Substitutions for Santa Fe
70’ 2T – Yeicar Perlaza out for Jhon Meléndez and Jhojan Torres out for Yairo Moreno
86’ 2T – Víctor Moreno out for Emanuel Olivera
Yellow Cards for Santa Fe:
0’ 1T – Daniel Torres (Unsporting behavior), 13’ 1T – Yilmar Velásquez (Unsporting behavior), 5’ 2T – Víctor Moreno (Unsporting behavior), 42’ 2T – Tomás Molina (Unsporting behavior), and 47’ 2T – Andrés Mosquera (Time-wasting)