Match Report: Unión Magdalena 0–0 Independiente Santa Fe – Copa BetPlay DIMAYOR
Estadio Sierra Nevada, Santa Marta – 29 July 2026

Unión Magdalena and Independiente Santa Fe played out a goalless stalemate at the Estadio Sierra Nevada in a Colombian Copa BetPlay DIMAYOR clash that saw both sides cancel each other out. The result leaves the home team still searching for their first win of the tournament phase, while Santa Fe extend their unbeaten run but miss a chance to climb into the top four.

Match Overview

The encounter was a tightly contested affair from the opening whistle. Santa Fe, boasting one of the league's stingiest defences, set up to control possession and break through the flanks. Unión Magdalena, playing in front of their passionate home crowd, adopted a more direct approach but struggled to find a way past the visitors' organised backline.

Chances were at a premium. The best opportunity of the first half fell to Santa Fe's striker Jhon Arias, whose close-range header was brilliantly tipped over by Unión Magdalena goalkeeper José Luis Chunga in the 34th minute. The home side responded just before the break when winger Jhonathan Ávila cut inside and forced a low save from Santa Fe keeper Leandro Castellanos.

Key Moments

• 34' – Santa Fe chance: A corner from the right found Arias unmarked, but Chunga's reflex save kept the scores level.
• 42' – Unión reply: Ávila's curling effort from 20 yards was pushed away by Castellanos.
• 67' – Red card scare: Santa Fe's midfielder Yilmar Velásquez received a yellow card for a late tackle, and the match simmered with tension thereafter.
• 85' – Late pressure: Unión Magdalena pushed forward in the closing stages, but a final cross from right-back Ricardo Márquez was headed wide by substitute Carlos Mosquera.

Tactical Story

Santa Fe's 4-3-3 system aimed to dominate the midfield through Harold Rivera and Daniel Torres, but Unión Magdalena's compact 4-4-2 double-pivot neutralised the central areas. The home team's counter-attacks were threatening but lacked the final ball. Both sides finished with less than 10 shots on goal combined, underlining the defensive discipline on display.

Standings Impact

With the draw, Unión Magdalena remain in 16th place in the Colombian Primera A standings with 12 points from 11 matches, still outside the top eight. Santa Fe, meanwhile, sit sixth with 20 points, and the point keeps them within striking distance of the league leaders. The result also maintains Santa Fe's impressive defensive record – they have conceded only 8 goals all season, the best in the competition.

Both teams will look to regroup. Unión Magdalena face a tough trip to Atlético Nacional next, while Santa Fe host Deportivo Pereira in what promises to be a pivotal fixture for the playoff race.