This Wednesday, September 22, 2026, Independiente Santa Fe and Deportivo Cali meet at El Campín stadium in Bogotá for matchday 12 of the Liga BetPlay, refereed by Alejandro Moncada with VAR handled by Nicolás Gallo.
The game started with Santa Fe controlling possession and trying to create dangerous opportunities in the opponent’s area, while Deportivo Cali remained solid defensively, focused on closing spaces to keep a clean sheet. In the opening minutes, Santa Fe heavily used the wings to connect with forwards like Hugo Rodallega and Franco Fagúndez, but the Cali defense has successfully neutralized their crosses with organized positioning and quick recovery.
Meanwhile, Deportivo Cali has been trying to control the ball and slow the pace to impose their style, attempting to prevent Santa Fe from breaking through their defensive system. In the 21st minute, Eduardo Bello led an offensive play that ended with a shot over the goal. Throughout the first half, Cali relies on a strong defensive setup to withstand the home team’s pressure and look for spaces to counterattack.
Match Context and Background
This fixture is crucial for both teams as they aim to climb the reclassification table. Santa Fe comes off a convincing win against Alianza FC but recently lost in the Copa Sudamericana against Vasco da Gama. On the other hand, Deportivo Cali arrives motivated after a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Cúcuta Deportivo, looking to maintain their good momentum in the league.
Additionally, Santa Fe faces logistical challenges and sanctions at El Campín: the north and south stands remain closed following incidents in August involving América fans, limiting the capacity and atmosphere at their home stadium. Furthermore, due to events and concerts like the recent BTS show, Santa Fe has expressed issues with the company Sencia, which manages the stadium, complicating their match schedule and field access.
Practical Impact for Fans and Local Residents
The unfolding of the game and Santa Fe’s situation at El Campín directly affect Bogotá fans and visitors, who have seen restricted access to traditional stadium areas. For example, for the Liga BetPlay women’s final, Santa Fe arranged transportation for their supporters to attend the first leg in Tunja against Deportivo Cali. This demonstrates the club’s effort to maintain a connection with its fan base despite limitations.
Moreover, the match at El Campín draws keen interest from followers of both teams across Colombia and Latin America, as it highlights the competitiveness of the league and the historic rivalry between Santa Fe and Deportivo Cali.
- Date: September 22, 2026
- Match: Independiente Santa Fe vs Deportivo Cali, Liga BetPlay, matchday 12
- Stadium: El Campín, Bogotá
- Referee: Alejandro Moncada
- VAR: Nicolás Gallo
- Sanction: Santa Fe without north and south stands until the end of 2026
- Women’s final: Santa Fe vs Deportivo Cali, first leg on September 23 in Tunja
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t Santa Fe use all the stands at El Campín stadium?
Santa Fe is sanctioned due to disturbances in August involving América fans, causing the north and south stands to be closed until the end of 2026.
Where will the first leg of the Liga BetPlay women’s final between Santa Fe and Deportivo Cali be held?
The match will be played at La Independencia stadium in Tunja on September 23, as El Campín is not available on that date.
What challenges has Santa Fe faced with El Campín stadium management?
The club criticized Sencia for giving short notice about a concert setup, which breaches the contract and affects the stadium’s availability for scheduled matches.
Source: www.infobae.com
