Santa Fe and Junior draw in the first BetPlay League semifinal. In Bogotá, Santa Fe and Junior played to a 1-1 draw in the first BetPlay League semifinal. The outcome of the clash will be decided in Barranquilla. The match was settled by a penalty in the final minutes.
The first semifinal match of the BetPlay League between Santa Fe and Junior has ended in Bogotá. The game at El Campín stadium finished in a 1-1 draw, leaving the intrigue alive ahead of the second leg in Barranquilla. Santa Fe failed to capitalize on their home advantage, while Junior defended confidently and came close to winning.
The score was opened in the 37th minute after an own goal by Iván Scarpeta, putting Santa Fe ahead. However, Junior quickly equalized and managed to withstand most of the opponent's pressure for the majority of the match. The key moment came in the 84th minute, when referee Wilmar Roldán, after checking VAR, awarded a penalty against Junior. Hugo Rodallega confidently converted the spot kick and leveled the score in the 85th minute.
In the closing stages, Santa Fe pressed hard for a winner, but Junior stayed focused and did not allow the hosts to take the lead. Obrian and Palacios were active for Santa Fe, while Junior's goalkeeper Mauro Silveira played reliably. In the final minutes, both coaches made a series of substitutions: Alexis Zapata and Kanté Torres came on for Santa Fe, while Edwin Herrera, Muriel, Canchimbo, and Chará entered the field for Junior.
The referee team led by Wilmar Roldán and VAR Mauricio Pérez did not call a controversial handball at the end of the match, causing tension in the stands. The final score of 1-1 leaves both teams with an equal chance of reaching the final. The return leg will take place at Romelio Martínez stadium in Barranquilla, where the tournament finalist will be decided.
Under the guidance of Pablo Repetto, Santa Fe is gradually finding their form, with Hugo Rodallega remaining a key attacking figure. Junior, the reigning champion, despite an inconsistent season, still has a chance to defend the title. The visitors feature experienced players such as Muriel, Teo, Bacca, and Canchimbo.
The BetPlay League semifinals are traditionally tense battles. A similar intrigue unfolded in other crucial matches of the season, as was the case with UD Las Palmas, when the team was on the verge of losing their chances for direct promotion after a defeat in Andorra — situations like these have already become decisive for the outcome of the season.
For reference: the BetPlay League is Colombia's top football tournament featuring the country's leading clubs. The playoff system involves two semifinal matches, with the finalist determined by the aggregate score. In case of a tie, the away goals rule applies or a penalty shootout is held. The next match between Santa Fe and Junior will take place in Barranquilla, where the finalist will be decided.
