Independiente del Valle pulled off a comeback on Wednesday in Manizales, defeating Once Caldas 2-0 to level their Copa Sudamericana quarterfinal series and force a penalty shootout. The Ecuadorian side held their nerve from the spot, winning 5-4 and booking a place in the semifinals, where they will face Atlético Mineiro.

The visitors secured the victory in regulation time at the Palogrande Stadium, thanks to a brace from Argentine striker Michael Hoyos, which tied the aggregate score and pushed the tie to penalties.

In the decisive shootout, Juan Cazares, Jhegson Méndez, Richard Schunke, Claudio Spinelli, and Layan Loor —who scored the winning penalty— found the net for the Ecuadorians, while Renato Ibarra missed his attempt. For Once Caldas, Dayro Moreno, Luis Felipe Gómez, Michael Barrios, and Mateo García converted, but Robert Mejía and goalkeeper James Aguirre failed. Aguirre’s miss came in unlucky fashion, slipping on soft turf as he went to strike the ball.

In regular time, Independiente del Valle pressed high through Hoyos and Claudio Spinelli, but the hosts resisted early on under the guidance of midfielder Robert Mejía.

Once Caldas looked more dangerous with long passes from goalkeeper James Aguirre, creating clear chances for Dayro Moreno and Mateo Zuleta, both denied by Argentine keeper Guido Villar.

Despite the dominance of the Colombian side, Independiente struck first. In the 27th minute, veteran Junior Sornoza carried the ball forward and delivered a pinpoint cross that Hoyos headed home for 1-0.

The Ecuadorians took control from there, exploiting the right flank where Matías Fernández and Darwin Guagua repeatedly troubled Kevin Tamayo.

Early in the second half, the visitors struck again. In the 51st minute, another Sornoza set piece found Hoyos, who once again scored with a header to make it 2-0, stunning the packed stands at the Palogrande.

The match grew tense and physical as Once Caldas pushed forward in the closing stages, led by Moreno, but they failed to create clear chances. The tie went to penalties, where Independiente del Valle prevailed 5-4 to reach the Copa Sudamericana semifinals for the third time in their history.

Their next challenge will be Atlético Mineiro, who overcame Bolívar in their quarterfinal clash with a 1-0 win in Brazil after a 2-2 draw in La Paz.