In a thrilling display of resilience and determination, Independiente Santa Fe clinched their tenth Categoría Primera A title on June 29, 2025, by defeating Deportivo Independiente Medellín 2-1 at the iconic Atanasio Girardot Stadium. This victory marks a historic milestone for the Bogotá-based club, ending a nine-year championship drought since their last triumph in 2016.
The final was a tightly contested affair, with both teams showcasing tactical discipline and fierce competitiveness. The first leg of the final, played a week earlier in Bogotá, ended in a goalless draw, setting the stage for a nail-biting second leg in Medellín. The home side, Medellín, started strong, with Polish-Argentine striker Francisco Fydriszewski breaking the deadlock in the 18th minute. Capitalizing on a defensive lapse by Santa Fe, Fydriszewski’s goal ignited the home crowd and put Medellín ahead early.
However, Santa Fe, led by their experienced captain Hugo Rodallega and orchestrated by Uruguayan head coach Jorge Bava, responded with composure and tactical acumen. At 31 minutes, winger Harold Santiago Mosquera leveled the score with a powerful header, capitalizing on a well-executed throw-in. This goal shifted momentum, as Santa Fe grew more confident and began to press Medellín’s defense.
The first half ended with both teams locked at 1-1, leaving everything to play for in the second half. Medellín came out aggressively after the break, with winger Leider Berrío attempting to create chances from the flanks. Despite their pressure, Santa Fe’s goalkeeper Andrés Mosquera Marmolejo was outstanding, making several crucial saves in the opening 15 minutes to keep his team in the game.
As the match progressed, Santa Fe’s resilience shone through. In the 78th minute, the defining moment arrived. Edward López surged down the right wing and delivered a precise cross to Rodallega, who, despite visible signs of injury, unleashed a powerful shot that beat Medellín’s goalkeeper Washington Aguerre. The goal silenced the home crowd and sparked jubilant celebrations among the Santa Fe supporters.
Shortly after scoring, Rodallega was forced off the field due to injury, but his impact was undeniable. His performance earned him the man of the match accolade and capped off a remarkable campaign where he was the top scorer for the first semester of the Colombia league, netting 16 goals in 26 matches. His leadership and goal-scoring prowess were instrumental in Santa Fe’s journey to the title.
Following the goal, Medellín’s coach Alejandro Restrepo made tactical substitutions, bringing on Jaime Alvarado and later Ángelo Rodríguez and Jhon Meléndez in a bid to overturn the deficit. Despite nine minutes of added time and relentless pressure, Medellín was unable to break down Santa Fe’s steadfast defense.
Santa Fe’s path to the championship was far from straightforward. Entering the playoffs as underdogs, they stunned the Colombian football world by eliminating two of the country’s biggest clubs. They knocked out Atlético Nacional in dramatic fashion, scoring a last-minute goal in the away leg of the playoffs, and then defeated arch-rivals Millonarios 2-1 at the Estadio Nemesio Camacho El Campín. These victories set the tone for their remarkable run to the title.
The club’s rich history in Colombian football adds further significance to this achievement. Independiente Santa Fe’s ten league titles span from the very first championship in 1948 to their recent triumph in 2025. Their previous titles came in 1958, 1960, 1966, 1971, 1975, and after a long drought, they secured the 2012-I Apertura, 2014-II Finalización, and 2016-II Finalización crowns. This latest victory places them among an elite group of Colombian clubs with ten or more league titles, alongside Atlético Nacional (18 titles), Millonarios (16), América de Cali (15), Deportivo Cali (10), and Junior FC (10).
Coach Jorge Bava, who took charge earlier this year following the club’s exit from the Copa Libertadores, praised his team’s grit and unity. Under his guidance, Santa Fe transformed from underdogs to champions, demonstrating tactical discipline and an unyielding fighting spirit. His leadership was pivotal in navigating the challenges of the playoffs and ultimately securing the championship.
The victory also carries significant financial rewards, with Santa Fe netting a $6.7 million prize for winning the Liga BetPlay 2025-I title. This windfall is expected to bolster the club’s resources and support future ambitions both domestically and in continental competitions.
Fans and players alike celebrated the hard-fought triumph with tears of joy and heartfelt emotion. For many, the nine-year wait had felt interminable, but the team’s perseverance and determination finally paid off in a spectacular fashion.
Independiente Santa Fe’s success story this season is a testament to the power of teamwork, leadership, and resilience. From overcoming early setbacks to toppling giants in the playoffs and delivering a decisive victory in the final, the club has written a memorable chapter in Colombian football history.
As the celebrations continue in Bogotá, the city’s faithful look forward to the next chapter in Santa Fe’s journey, hopeful that this title will herald a new era of sustained success and glory for the club.
