Hugo Rodallega took responsibility for Independiente Santa Fe’s elimination from the 2026 Copa Sudamericana after losing 2-0 to Vasco da Gama.
The captain of the Bogotá team stated that the lack of effectiveness at critical moments was decisive in the defeat. In statements to ESPN Colombia after the match, held on Tuesday, September 15, at the São Januário stadium, he said: “If you don’t score, you watch them score.”
Santa Fe arrived in Brazil with the series tied 0-0, but failed to take advantage of their opportunities. Rodallega mentioned that the clearest chance for the Colombian team came in the first minutes of the match when he received a cross, and his shot was saved by goalkeeper Léo Jardim. “We had the first chance to score, I couldn’t convert it,” he regretted.
The forward, who acknowledged his responsibility in the play, assured that he aimed for a shot towards the goal and not at the goalkeeper’s body, although he also highlighted Jardim’s skill. This opportunity occurred around the 18th minute, before Vasco took the lead.
Rodallega stated that the team continued to search for a goal, pointing out: “The team didn’t give up and we were aggressive.” However, the lack of finishing allowed Vasco to open the scoring in the 37th minute, thanks to a goal from Bruno Duarte after a recovery by Alan Saldivia.
After falling behind, the Colombian team tried to change its strategy in the second half, but this exposed their defense. Rodallega commented on the situation after conceding the first goal: “Once we conceded the goal, the match became more complicated. We had to go forward with more obligation, and because of that urgency, I believe we ended up poorly positioned at the back.”
Despite making offensive changes, Vasco managed to score a second goal in the 65th minute, when David Corrêa da Fonseca took advantage of a play. This goal extended the aggregate lead to 2-0, sealing Santa Fe’s elimination.
The elimination left the club without any possibilities in the international competition, while Vasco da Gama advanced to the semifinals, where they will face the winner of the series between Boca Juniors and São Paulo. Rodallega acknowledged the sadness in the team for not reaching the final four, but emphasized the need to shift focus to the Liga BetPlay and the Copa Colombia.
Before their trip to Brazil, Santa Fe had secured a 1-0 victory against Deportes Tolima, placing them in seventh position in the league. “One’s mentality as a professional must change the next day,” concluded Rodallega. Santa Fe will face Alianza FC on September 19 and return home to play against Deportivo Cali on September 22, before facing Unión Magdalena in the Copa Colombia on September 25, with a 2-0 lead in the series.
Source: www.infobae.com
