Deportes Tolima experienced a dramatic evening at the Manuel Murillo Toro Stadium. After falling 1-0 to Deportivo Tachira in stoppage time, the Colombian side took the tie to penalties and secured a 3-0 shootout victory to reach the third qualifying round of the Copa Libertadores 2026.

Tolima had been protecting the narrow advantage earned in the first leg in Venezuela, in a match characterized by tight midfield battles and limited scoring opportunities.

VAR drama and late equalizer

In the second half, Tolima increased their attacking presence with key substitutions. In the 81st minute, Jersson González found the net, but the goal was overturned following a VAR review for a prior handball.

When qualification seemed within reach, a late twist changed everything. In stoppage time, a handball by Jader Valencia resulted in a penalty, which Luis González converted to level the aggregate score at 1-1 and force a shootout.

Penalty shootout decides the tie

In the shootout, Tolima proved more clinical. Edwar López and Luis Sandoval scored, while Brayan Rovira missed. For Táchira, José Balza had his effort saved, Luis González missed, and Rodrigo Pollero sent his attempt over the bar.

Sebastián Guzmán converted the final penalty with a powerful strike into the top corner, sealing the 3-0 shootout victory.

Tolima will now face O'Higgins in the next round.

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