Bogotá, Colombia – Millonarios secured a 2-1 victory over Llaneros on Saturday, but the win was overshadowed by injuries to key players Radamel Falcao García and Rodrigo Contreras. Both forwards were forced off the pitch in the first half, raising concerns for the club as they navigate a busy schedule in the Liga BetPlay 2026-I season.
The match, played at the Estadio Nemesio Camacho El Campín, saw Contreras open the scoring for Millonarios in the 4th minute with a header. Leo Castro added a second for the home side before Luis Miranda pulled one back for Llaneros. However, the focus quickly shifted to the health of Millonarios’ attacking contingent as both Falcao and Contreras succumbed to injuries before halftime.
Contreras was the first to be substituted, replaced by Stiven Vega in the 38th minute after experiencing discomfort in the posterior of his left leg. The Argentine’s injury is reported as a muscular fatigue, according to manager Fabián Bustos. Shortly after, Falcao signaled for assistance, clutching the back of his right leg. He was ultimately taken off the field on a stretcher just before the break.
The veteran striker, who recently returned to Millonarios, felt a sharp pain in his right hamstring whereas attempting to chase down a ball, according to reports. Jorge Cabezas Hurtado replaced Falcao at the start of the second half. This marks Falcao’s first injury setback since rejoining the club, having played in four matches this semester and scored one goal – a penalty against Águilas Doradas.
Manager Bustos addressed the injuries in a post-match press conference, stating, “Both Contreras and Falcao were carrying a muscular load from playing so frequently. It’s not an excuse and I’m not complaining. I said before the match that Rodrigo was there, luckily Rodrigo’s is a muscular fatigue and we took him off as a precaution. As for Rada, I believe it’s a little more serious.”
The injuries arrive at a crucial time for Millonarios, who are aiming to climb the Liga BetPlay standings. With the win against Llaneros, Millonarios now has 8 points and is closing in on the top eight. Their next challenge is against Internacional de Bogotá.
The extent of both injuries remains unclear, but the club will undoubtedly be hoping for swift recoveries for both players. Further updates on their condition are expected in the coming days. Video footage of Falcao being stretchered off the pitch has already sparked concern among fans.
The team will need to rely on other attacking options as they prepare for their upcoming fixtures. The impact of losing both Falcao and Contreras will be keenly felt, but Bustos will be looking for his squad to step up and deliver results.
What comes next for Millonarios will depend heavily on the medical reports regarding Falcao and Contreras. The club will be closely monitoring their progress and will likely adjust their tactics accordingly. Fans will be eager for updates and hoping to see their star striker back on the field as soon as possible.
Share your thoughts on Millonarios’ victory and the injuries to Falcao and Contreras in the comments below.
