Independiente Medellin Back to Their Old Ways? 0–0 in the First Leg of the Final

The first leg of the Liga BetPlay Dimayor final between Santa Fe and Independiente Medellín was a thrilling watch. The match took place on June 24, 2025, at El Campín, with 35,072 passionate Santa Fe fans packing the stands. The atmosphere was thrilling—you could feel how much this final meant not just to the players, but to the entire fanbase.

Familiar Lineup, Smart Choices

Medellín lined up with a formation similar to what we saw throughout the Cuadrangulares. Alejandro Restrepo opted not to play Jaime Alvarado or Luis Sandoval, as I suggested in my previous post: https://cafeterodelnorte.com/independiente-medellin-favourites-to-win-the-liga-betplay-dimayor/ But based on how the match played out, it’s fair to say he made the right call.

Match Recap

• 22′: Léider Berrío broke away on a wide angle but saw his shot saved by former Medellín keeper Marmolejo Mosquera.
• 31′: Hugo Rodallega fired a shot from distance, but Aguirre made a solid save.
• 43′: Nearly the goal of the season—Francisco Chaverra took a short free kick to Londoño, who took space and unleashed a rocket from range that just missed the top corner.
• 45+3′: A golden chance missed—Berrío broke through and squared it to Brayan León Muñiz, who had an open net. His shot flew high and wide under late pressure from Santa Fe’s defender.
• 45+6′: Rodallega’s direct free kick whistled just past the right post.

First Half Stats:

Santa Fe	Medellín
49% Possession	51% Possession
6 Shots (3 on target)	8 Shots (1 on target)
1 Big Chance	–

Second Half

• 47′: Great build-up play led to Fydriszewski slipping in Berrío, who fired toward the near post. Mosquera got a fingertip on it, pushing it off the post — another big chance wasted.
• 50′: A left-side cross found Rodallega, who controlled it with his chest and volleyed just over the bar.
• 63′: On Santa Fe’s 6th corner, Olivera rose for a strong header but sent it just over.
• 78′: A long clearance set up Muñiz on a breakaway — again denied by Mosquera. That marked Medellín’s third big chance missed.
• 89′: Chaverra cut inside from the left and fired with his weaker foot. It deflected dangerously, but Mosquera managed to get his hands to it.

Second Half Stats:

Santa Fe	Medellín
52% Possession	48% Possession
12 Shots (4 on target)	17 Shots (4 on target)
–	3 Big Chances

Final Thoughts

This game was played at an incredibly high tempo. While the stats suggest balance, Medellín looked more in control, imposing the compact defensive structure they’re known for. Santa Fe couldn’t carve out a single big chance, largely due to Medellín’s discipline and shape.

On the attacking side, Medellín stuck to their usual plan—building from the back, working through tight spaces with short passing patterns. The system functioned beautifully—except for one issue: finishing. Once again, they failed to convert their chances, something that haunted them multiple times during the regular season.

Standout Performances

🔸 Héctor “Homer” Martínez
The captain continues to prove just how crucial he is. Calm under pressure, precise with his passing, and always positioned exactly where the team needs him. His all-around game makes him a true anchor in this midfield.

🔸 Baldomero Perlaza
I initially thought Alvarado might’ve offered more—but Perlaza was fantastic. He brought both defensive steel and attacking balance, won key duels, and helped Medellín control transitions.

🔸 Francisco Fydriszewski
I expected him to start on the bench, but once again, I was proven wrong. While he didn’t create a clear-cut chance for himself, he served as a key link in transition play and worked extremely hard off the ball. A gritty, team-first performance.

What’s Next?

Medellín returns home to El Atanasio for the second leg of the final on June 29, 2025 at 6:00 PM (Colombian time). With their fans behind them, and the title within reach, this is set up to be a massive night.

They played well in Bogotá—but if they want to lift the trophy, they’ll need to be more clinical in front of goal.

Do you still believe Medellín will win this final? What changes (if any) would you make? Drop your thoughts in the comments below — I’ll catch you after the second leg.