In a tightly contested match, Santa Fe edged Bucaramanga with a 2-1 win during the 14th round of the Colombian league. The Cardenal took the lead in the 22nd minute thanks to Luis Palacios, who dazzled the home crowd with a brilliant individual effort. However, Bucaramanga managed to equalize just six minutes later when Aldair Zárate scored after a well-executed play. Nevertheless, Santa Fe snatched the victory again with Hugo Rodallega’s goal in the 60th minute.
Palacios ignited the stadium with his remarkable finish in the first half, striking a powerful shot from the left side of the area that nestled into the right corner of the net, leaving goalkeeper Luis Vásquez Caicedo with no chance.
Hugo Rodallega was undoubtedly the standout player of the match, not only netting the winner but also taking four shots at the opposing goal. Luis Palacios also made significant contributions, scoring the first goal and attempting three shots on target.
The head coach of Bucaramanga, Leonel Álvarez, deployed a 4-5-1 formation featuring Luis Vásquez in goal, with a defensive line consisting of Aldair Gutiérrez, Martín Rea, Jefferson Mena, and Fredy Hinestroza. The midfield was manned by Felix Charrupí, Aldair Zárate, Kevin Londoño, Fabián Sambueza, and Jhon Fredy Salazar, while Luciano Pons led the attack.
On the other hand, Santa Fe, under coach Pablo Repetto, utilized a 4-3-3 setup with Andrés Mosquera in goal; Helibelton Palacios, Emanuel Olivera, Víctor Moreno, and Christian Mafla in defense; and a forward trio of Luis Palacios, Hugo Rodallega, and Omar Fernández up top.
The match was officiated by Jhon Ospina Londoño at the Estadio Américo Montanini.
Looking ahead, Bucaramanga will be visiting Águilas Doradas Rionegro in their next game, while Santa Fe will face Tolima as the visiting team.
Following this match, Bucaramanga now has 19 points, positioning them in ninth place in the league standings. Santa Fe, meanwhile, advances to 18 points, taking the eleventh spot in the tournament.
Substitutions for Bucaramanga
73rd Minute – Felix Charrupí for Leonardo Flores, Martín Rea for Carlos Romaña, and Kevin Londoño for Gleyfer Medina.
83rd Minute – Jhon Fredy Salazar for Israel Alba.
Yellow Cards for Bucaramanga:
Second Half: Felix Charrupí (17th minute), Martín Rea (21st minute), Jefferson Mena (34th minute), Gleyfer Medina (49th minute), Fredy Hinestroza (52nd minute).
Substitutions for Santa Fe
77th Minute – Jhojan Torres for Kilian Toscano, Fredy Hinestroza for José García.
86th Minute – Yilmar Velásquez for Juan Quintero, Hugo Rodallega for Nahuel Bustos.
90th Minute – Luis Palacios for Edwin Mosquera, Omar Fernández for Yeicar Perlaza.
Yellow Cards for Santa Fe:
First Half: Emanuel Olivera (46th minute).
Second Half: Hugo Rodallega (6th minute), Jhojan Torres (11th minute).
Red Card for Santa Fe:
Daniel Torres (Direct Red, 53rd minute).