Santa Fe vs Vélez Sarsfield Match Preview
Independiente Santa Fe of Colombia are currently passing through a memorable moment and they will hope to continue this when they entertain Velez Sarsfield of Argentina in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana quarter-finals in Bogota on Tuesday.
Wilson Gutierrez, the coach of Santa Fe, understands that his team confront a complicated Velez side, but he is still confident in his team's chances: "This is a very difficult match for both teams, but we are preparing ourselves well. We are doing things well and playing good soccer."
Santa Fe come from thrashing Botafogo of Brazil 4-1, in a clash which they completely dominated. The Colombians have been one of the revelations of the competition, for their exciting attacking soccer.
Velez Sarsfield have given priority to the Copa Sudamericana, and for that reason rested several of their key players for their league clash with Argentinos Juniors on Saturday. As was expected Velez lost the match and are practically out of the title race.
However, like Velez's fans, Ricardo Gareca, the coach of Velez, understands the importance of the team lifting an international title, and due to this has selected Velez's best possible side for the clash. In reference to what should be expected of Velez on Tuesday, Gareca affirmed: "We will go to Bogota to win the match and not to play for a draw."
Santa Fe vs Vélez Sarsfield Match Report
Velez Sarsfield took an important step towards the semi-finals of the Copa Sudamericana after picking up a 1-1 draw against Independiente Santa Fe at the Campin de Bogota stadium on Tuesday.
Velez, the current Argentine champions, knew that they'd be in for a complicated battle, however, they started the stronger of the two sides, and almost went ahead within the first five minutes, through a Emiliano Papa header that didn't miss by far.
Despite the fact that Velez were playing the better soccer, it was the Colombians that went ahead, when in the 24th minute what seemed to be a weak free-kick from Gerardo Bedoya deflected off the Velez wall and eluded a stranded Marcelo Barovero in goal.
In the second period, Velez went in search of the equaliser and looked very dangerous each time they moved forward to the attack. The Colombians lacked personality in their game and it seemed that at any moment Velez would draw level.
Finally, in the 76th minute Velez's much-deserved goal arrived, when David Ramirez beat Santa Fe goalkeeper Camilo Vargas with a well-placed shot.
To make matters worse for the Colombians, in the 84th minute Bedoya was dismissed for a second bookable offense. Bedoya, one of Santa Fe's most influential players, will miss the return leg of the tie at the Jose Amalfitani stadium of Liniers.
Towards the end of the match Velez continued to press as they went looking for the winner, which could have arrived if it hadn't been for the efforts of the solid Santa Fe defense.