The return of Atlético Bucaramanga to the Copa Libertadores after 27 years couldn’t have been more emotional. On Tuesday, at the Américo Montanini stadium, the Colombians faced Colo Colo in the first round of Group E of the tournament. Although they came close to securing the win, an equalizer from Argentine Javier Correa in the 84th minute ruined the celebration, ending the match in a 3-3 draw.

A thrilling match

The game started with great intensity, and it was the hosts who struck first. Just 9 minutes in, right-back Aldair Gutiérrez made a long pass to Kevin Londoño, who took advantage of a one-on-one with goalkeeper Brayan Cortés and opened the scoring with a great goal, putting his team 1-0 up.

The early goal boosted Atlético Bucaramanga, who extended their lead in the 24th minute. Fabián Sambueza sent a precise cross from the wing for Argentine striker Luciano Pons, who sent the ball into the back of the net with a powerful header. With a 2-0 lead, the home team was dominating the match, but Colo Colo quickly responded.

The VAR intervenes and Colo Colo gets back into the game

With the score against them, Colo Colo didn't lose their composure and managed to pull one back before the break. In the 38th minute, Paraguayan referee Carlos Benítez had not awarded a penalty for a foul on Argentine Claudio Aquino in the area, but after reviewing the play with the VAR, he changed his decision. Javier Correa was the one to take the penalty and, with great calm, scored to make it 2-1, keeping everything open for the second half.

The goal of hope

In the second half, Atlético Bucaramanga extended their lead in the 57th minute. A corner kick taken by Frank Castañeda was headed home by defender Carlos Henao, making it 3-1, which seemed like a definitive blow for the visitors. However, Colo Colo wasn’t ready to give up.

In the 63rd minute, the Chilean side pulled one back again. Lucas Cepeda took a shot at goal, and goalkeeper Aldair Quintana couldn’t hold onto the ball, allowing Mauricio Isla to tap in the rebound. The play was reviewed by the VAR for a potential offside, but the goal was finally validated, making it 3-2.

Correa’s epic equalizer

As the match seemed to be winding down, a brilliant cross from Cristian Zavala on the right wing allowed Javier Correa to score the equalizer in the 84th minute, putting the final score at 3-3 and silencing the home fans.

With this draw, Colo Colo takes an important point from their visit to Bucaramanga. In the next round, Atlético Bucaramanga will travel to Argentina to face Racing, while Colo Colo will host Fortaleza in Santiago.

Group E remains open, and the excitement promises to continue with high-intensity matches between the South American teams.