Independiente Santa Fe secured a hard-fought podium finish at the Copa Libertadores Femenina by defeating Olimpia in the third-place match.
How the Match Unfolded in a Goal-Filled Encounter
The scoring opened in the 19th minute when Mariana Zamorano found space to give Santa Fe the initial advantage. Just three minutes later, Zamorano capitalized on the wet pitch to score her second of the match, doubling the lead for the ‘leonas’ in the 22nd minute.
Olimpia responded quickly to get back into contention. Tania Riso cut the deficit in the 25th minute, and Ana Pereira leveled the score at 2-2 in the 41st minute before halftime.
Early in the second half, a defensive miscue on the rain-soaked turf allowed Milagros Ortiz to put Olimpia ahead in the 50th minute. Santa Fe’s task grew even harder in the 58th minute when Zamorano received her second yellow card, leaving the Colombian team with 10 players.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Santa Fe pushed forward. Goalkeeper Ospina denied Olimpia a fourth goal in the 77th minute to keep her team alive. In the closing moments of regulation, Daniela Garavito equalized for Santa Fe with a powerful right-footed strike in the 91st minute. Moments later, goalkeeper Cabrera nearly added a fourth for Santa Fe with a strong long-range effort that was parried away.
Finally, in the 96th minute, Juan Ortegón scored with a decisive header to reclaim the lead and secure the final victory for the Colombian side.
The Final Standings and Closing Chapter of the Tournament
The high-scoring fixture marked the conclusion of the tournament path for both Olimpia and Independiente Santa Fe. While the rainy conditions and shifting momentum forced both squads to adapt throughout the ninety minutes, Santa Fe’s late goals ultimately earned them third place on the podium.
