The Romelio Martínez stadium witnessed a 1-1 draw between Barranquilla FC and Millonarios in the first leg of the Copa Colombia 2026 Round of 16, in a match played on October 2 that featured an intense duel with chances for both teams.
The match started with a decisive play at 4 minutes: the referee awarded a penalty to Barranquilla after a handball by Sebastián del Castillo, with no VAR review possible at this stage. Mohamed Bolívar did not miss, opening the scoring by shooting to the left post while Millonarios goalkeeper Javier Burrai dived the opposite way.
Millonarios reacted quickly and created dangerous opportunities, such as a shot by David Mackalister Silva that went close to the crossbar at the 8th minute and a free kick by Sebastián Valencia that brushed the post at 18 minutes. Finally, the equalizer came in the 22nd minute with a header by David Mackalister Silva, following a clearance error by goalkeeper Sebastián Guerra.
Intensity increased with cautions to players from both teams and a fast pace that led to a substitution for Barranquilla in the 41st minute, bringing on Neymar Uribe to slow the rhythm against Millonarios’ increasingly dangerous attacks, led by Andrey Estupiñán and Daniel Ruiz.
At the end of the first half, Millonarios had the clearest chances but faced a barrier in goalkeeper Sebastián Guerra, who blocked a one-on-one with Estupiñán, preventing the visitors from taking the lead before the break. The 1-1 at halftime reflects a balanced and highly competitive match between the two sides.
Context and Background of the Match
The clash between Barranquilla FC and Millonarios marks an important chapter in the Copa Colombia 2026, which has undergone changes due to the earthquake on August 10. Dimayor decided that the Round of 16 and quarterfinals would be single-leg ties, favoring home advantage for second division teams against first division opponents.
Barranquilla FC, traditionally a youth subsidiary of Junior, achieved a major feat in July by eliminating Junior in the first phase, winning 5-3 on penalties after 2-2 and 3-3 draws in the two official matches. This performance surprised fans and experts alike, as the team had never before reached the quarterfinals in the competition.
Meanwhile, Millonarios, a club known for winning the cup in 1952, 2011, and 2022, is enjoying a strong run in the Liga BetPlay with six unbeaten games under the guidance of coach Alberto Gamero. The Bogotá side aims to reaffirm its status and advance confidently in the tournament.
Practical Impact for Fans and Followers in Colombia and the Region
For fans following the Copa Colombia, these single-elimination Round of 16 matches mean greater tension and strategic play since there is no second leg and qualification depends on a single result. The match broadcast on Win+ Fútbol and the Win Play platform makes it accessible live, allowing followers throughout Colombia and Latin America to keep up minute by minute.
Residents of Atlántico can celebrate Barranquilla FC’s remarkable performance, as the team represents an opportunity to discover new talents and closely track the development of young prospects. Millonarios, on the other hand, continues striving to establish itself as a national and international powerhouse in official competitions.
- Half-time score: 1-1
- Goals: Mohamed Bolívar (Barranquilla, penalty, 6th minute), David Mackalister Silva (Millonarios, 22nd minute)
- Penalty awarded to Barranquilla for handball by Sebastián del Castillo (4th minute)
- Cautions: Mohamed Bolívar, Sebastián del Castillo, Edmilson Herazo, Alberto Orozco
- Broadcast: Win+ Fútbol and Win Play
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was there no VAR on the penalty decision?
In these Copa Colombia rounds, rules state no VAR is used, so the referee’s decision to call the handball by Sebastián del Castillo was final.
What does the 1-1 draw mean for the series?
The draw leaves everything open for the second leg, where both teams will fight for a spot in the quarterfinals, taking advantage of home field and their current form.
What changes were made to the Copa Colombia 2026 format?
After the August 10 earthquake, Dimayor decided that the Round of 16 and quarterfinals would be single-match ties, with home advantage determined by league position or division category, while the semifinals and final would remain two-legged, likely in November and December.
Source: www.infobae.com
