Independiente Santa Fe secured a historic victory on February 28, 2025, defeating Envigado FC 7-1 at the Polideportivo Sur stadium, marking one of the most remarkable performances of the Liga BetPlay season.
The highly anticipated match kicked off with Envigado hosting Santa Fe, who celebrated their 84th anniversary. The Cardenales entered the match hoping to bounce back after previous setbacks, including elimination from the Copa Libertadores, where they lost in penalties against Deportes Iquique earlier this week.
Santa Fe’s Hugo Rodallega emerged as the standout player, scoring four goals throughout the match. The first came quickly, just 11 minutes after the initial whistle, putting Santa Fe on the scoreboard first. A precise pass from Santiago Mosquera set him up perfectly, allowing Rodallega to find the net with ease.
Envigado responded swiftly, with Bayron Garcés scoring the equalizer at the 14-minute mark. Garcés executed a powerful strike from the right side of the box, demonstrating his skill after breaking past his marker.
After Envigado’s brief celebration, Rodallega struck again at the 19-minute mark, this time using his aerial prowess to head home from another accurate corner delivered by Mosquera. With this second goal, Santa Fe quickly regained the lead.
Before the first half concluded, Rodallega completed his hat trick, capitalizing on yet another assist from Mosquera and converting with confidence to give Santa Fe a comfortable 3-1 lead going to half-time. The momentum was firmly with the visitors as they demonstrated superior technique and strategy.
Following the break, Rodallega continued his scoring spree, netting his fourth goal only five minutes after the restart. His shot from the edge of the area caught the Envigado goalkeeper, Rubén Escobar, off guard, pushing the lead to 4-1.
Despite various attempts from Envigado to claw back, they were continually thwarted by Santa Fe’s defense and the heroics of goalkeeper Andrés Mosquera Marmolejo, who made multiple saves throughout the encounter.
Santa Fe’s dominance was showcased when Iván Scarpeta extended the lead to 5-1 at the 67-minute mark. He scored off a well-placed corner, solidifying the visitors’ command of the match.
Not content with just five goals, Santa Fe increased the tally to six with Harold Santiago Mosquera finding the net at the 72-minute mark, blasting the ball past Escobar from distance.
The scoring frenzy was capped off with Ángelo Rodríguez converting a penalty following a handball call, making it 7-1 for Santa Fe at the 81st minute. The penalty, awarded after VAR review, highlighted the latter’s fluid offense and inability of Envigado's defense to respond.
By the final whistle, Santa Fe had firmly established itself as one of the top scoring teams of the tournament, with the victory allowing them to climb the league table. The Cardenales now sit comfortably at eighth position, with hopes of progressing even higher as the season continues.
Following the match, Rodallega was rightfully praised for his impressive display, showing resilience and skill, particularly after a previous dip in form. It was reported, "Hugo Rodallega, who scored four goals, was the star of the match, showcasing his skills on Santa Fe's 84th birthday," indicating just how pivotal he was for the team. Analysts noted how Santa Fe capitalized on Envigado's defensive errors throughout the match, particularly as the home side struggled to contain their aggressive approach.
Envigado now faces challenges after this overwhelming loss. The coach, Andrés Orozco, will need to assess the team's performance and strategize adjustments for their next match against Deportivo Pereira. With the pressure mounting, the upcoming weeks will be pivotal for the home side as they look to improve their standing and regain their competitive edge.
Overall, this match served as a reminder of Santa Fe’s potential and the unpredictability of football, where one team's resurgence can signify danger for their opponents. Fans will eagerly await the next chapter of the Liga BetPlay as the competition heats up.