Santa Fe Stun River Plate in 22-Penalty Thriller to Reach Sudamericana Quarterfinals
Independiente Santa Fe eliminated Argentina’s River Plate in one of the most dramatic Copa Sudamericana matches of 2026, winning an extraordinary penalty shootout at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium to reach the quarterfinals. The Colombian club survived a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes and then prevailed 8-7 on penalties, ending River Plate’s continental campaign in front […]
In a dramatic Copa Sudamericana match at Buenos Aires' Monumental Stadium, Santa Fe stunned Argentine side River Plate in a penalty shootout, advancing to the quarterfinals. The Colombian club emerged victorious after a 1-1 draw in regular time, prevailing 8-7 on penalties. The series required a record 22 penalty kicks before Santa Fe's goalkeeper, Weimar Asprilla, converted the decisive attempt.
The result sends Santa Fe into the Copa Sudamericana quarterfinals, where they will face Brazilian club Vasco da Gama. River Plate's elimination marks a major disappointment, as the Argentine giant had hoped to make a deep run in the tournament. Despite River Plate's dominance in the first half, Santa Fe refused to capitulate, scoring a penalty in the 80th minute to equalize.
The subsequent penalty shootout saw Santa Fe emerge triumphant, with Asprilla sealing the deal for the Colombian side. This victory is particularly significant for Santa Fe, who are the 2015 Copa Sudamericana champions and remain the only Colombian team to have won the competition. The win highlights the unpredictability of South American club competitions, as River Plate's home advantage and greater possession failed to secure a victory against Santa Fe.
Written by urgent.news from Colombia One's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
