Santa Fe 0-0 River Plate

Independiente Santa Fe did almost everything they needed to take an advantage out of Bogotá, but they were missing the most important thing: a goal. The Colombian side created the better chances, hit the woodwork twice and had several clear opportunities, but ultimately settled for a 0-0 draw against River Plate in the first leg of the 2026 Copa Sudamericana Round of 16.

Everything will now be decided next week at the Mâs Monumental, where Santa Fe will have to fight for qualification on the Argentine side’s home turf.

The Goalkeepers Make Their Presence Felt Early

The match started with plenty of intensity, and just one minute in, Wilmar Asprilla had to become the hero. Lautaro Rivero connected with a powerful header that was heading toward the top corner, but the Colombian goalkeeper produced a spectacular save to prevent an early goal.

Santa Fe quickly responded.

The home side’s high press caused River serious problems when trying to play out from the back, forcing Eduardo Coudet’s team to constantly resort to long balls.

In the 13th minute, one of the best opportunities of the match arrived. Jader Obrian produced an excellent move and found Nahuel Bustos, whose powerful effort crashed against the crossbar after a slight touch from Santiago Beltrán.

As the minutes passed, River began to settle into the match. The Argentine side started seeing more of the ball, although without creating much danger.

Santa Fe came extremely close again in the 41st minute. Bustos was once more at the heart of the action, firing a low diagonal shot that struck the post. The Argentine striker was the home side’s most dangerous player, but the goal simply would not come.

Santa Fe Waste Their Chances as River Hold On

The second half began with an even clearer opportunity.

In the 47th minute, a pass from Nicolás Otamendi was followed by a poor touch from Lautaro Rivero. Bustos recovered the ball and was practically through on goal, but sent his effort over the crossbar. He also had Hugo Rodallega available alongside him.

It was a huge opportunity.

From that point on, Santa Fe once again took control of possession. River dropped deeper, closed down the spaces and focused on maintaining their defensive organization while waiting for an opportunity on the counterattack.

The match gradually lost its rhythm. Fouls increased, stoppages became more frequent and the Colombian side found it increasingly difficult to break through the Argentine defensive block.

There was still time for one final big chance.

In the 87th minute, a free kick from the flank produced an excellent delivery toward Franco Fagúndez, who found himself unmarked and connected with a header. However, he could not direct his effort on target, and the ball flew dangerously over the crossbar.

Santa Fe continued pushing until the final whistle with crosses and balls into the penalty area, but they never found a way through the defensive wall built by Coudet’s team.

The 0-0 draw leaves Independiente Santa Fe with a bitter feeling after creating the better opportunities but failing to take advantage of playing at home.

For River Plate, however, the objective was accomplished: they survived Bogotá and will now have the opportunity to decide the tie in front of their own fans at the Mâs Monumental.

Santa Fe let River off the hook.

Now they will have to try to eliminate them in their own home.

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