ndependiente Medellín Wednesday were eliminated from the Copa Libertadores
in the most painful way possible. A last-gasp goal from Defensor
Sporting allowed the Uruguayans to advance to the next stage while the
Colombians are left empty-handed.
Medellín only needed a draw to secure a spot in the knock-out phase but Álvaro Navarro put Defensor in the lead on 13 minutes. Luis Arias levelled in the 19th but Diego Vera restored the home side’s lead in minute 35.
Most of the action was left for last though. Andrés Ortiz netted for 2-2 in the 78th minute but a free kick from Diego De Souza gave Defensor the edge once again four minutes later.
When Diego Cabrera scored for 3-3 from a corner in the 91st minute, it seemed almost certain that DIM were to advance to the next round. However, a deflected shot from De Souza left keeper Aldo Bobadilla stranded in the very last second, 4-3.
América de Cali were already out of contention in Group 4 and ended their continental adventure with a 2-1 defeat at group winners Sao Paulo. Wilmer Parra did put the Colombian champions ahead on eight minutes but two goals from Dagoberto turned things around in the second half.
Boyacá Chicó are now Colombia’s only remaining hope in the Copa Libertadores. Next week, the Tunja side defend a two-points advantage over Universidad de Chile, away to Brazilian giants Gremio.
