In a thrilling clash at the Estadio Nemesio Camacho El Campín on March 26, 2025, Millonarios triumphed over their city rivals Independiente Santa Fe with a decisive 2-0 victory. This match, part of the Liga BetPlay's Jornada 17, showcased the resilience and tactical prowess of the home team, especially after suffering a defeat just four days earlier.
The atmosphere was electric as fans filled the stadium, eager to witness another chapter in the storied rivalry between these two Bogotá teams. Millonarios, coming off a disappointing 3-2 loss to Santa Fe in their previous encounter, entered the match with a renewed determination. Coach David González, who returned to the sidelines after serving a suspension, was keen to lead his team to victory.
From the outset, both teams displayed a fierce competitive spirit, with Santa Fe looking to maintain their upper hand from the last match. However, the tide turned dramatically in the 29th minute when Santa Fe's Harold Santiago Mosquera received a red card for a dangerous tackle, leaving his team with ten men. This pivotal moment changed the dynamics of the game, as Millonarios began to exploit their numerical advantage.
Despite being a player down, Santa Fe continued to press forward, showing remarkable tenacity. For a while, it seemed like they might still snatch a goal. Yet, as the match progressed into the second half, Millonarios capitalized on their advantage. In the 61st minute, Luis Marimón broke the deadlock, scoring the first goal with a well-placed shot that left Santa Fe's goalkeeper, Mosquera Marmolejo, with no chance to respond. The goal ignited the home crowd, who had been waiting for a moment of celebration.
Just eight minutes later, in the 69th minute, Kevin Palacios doubled Millonarios' lead with a right-footed strike, effectively sealing the match. The home side's strategy of pressing forward paid off, as they took full control of the game following the red card incident.
Millonarios' victory not only avenged their recent loss but also lifted them to fifth place in the Liga BetPlay standings, now tied with Santa Fe on 19 points but trailing due to goal difference. This match was crucial for both teams as they vie for a better position in the league as the season progresses.
Nicolás Arevalo was named the best player of the match, showcasing his skills in midfield and contributing significantly to Millonarios' performance. Meanwhile, the match also saw several yellow cards issued, with Ómar Fernández Frasica and Jhojan Torres of Santa Fe, along with Neyser Villarreal and Álvaro Montero of Millonarios, all receiving cautions for various fouls during the heated contest.
The game was broadcast live on Win Fútbol +, allowing fans unable to attend the match to follow the action in real-time. As the final whistle blew, the sense of relief and joy among Millonarios supporters was palpable, as they celebrated a well-deserved victory in front of their home crowd.
Looking ahead, Millonarios will next face Alianza Valledupar, while Santa Fe will travel to Santa Marta to take on Unión Magdalena. Both teams will need to regroup quickly and adjust their strategies as they continue their campaigns in the Liga BetPlay.
This classic encounter not only highlighted the fierce rivalry between Millonarios and Santa Fe but also served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football, where a single moment can change the course of the game. Fans are already looking forward to the next installment of this historic rivalry, as both teams strive for dominance in the capital.
