Independiente Medellín Advance in Libertadores After Eliminating Liverpool

Independiente Medellín held firm at home and relied on a standout goalkeeping performance to secure their place in the next round.

Deportivo Independiente Medellín booked their spot in the third preliminary round of the Copa Libertadores after a 0-0 draw at home against Liverpool of Uruguay. The result, combined with their 2-1 victory in the first leg, allowed the Colombian side to progress from a demanding series played under heavy rain at Medellín’s Atanasio Girardot Stadium.

The team coached by Alejandro Restrepo, who was absent from the bench due to suspension, found their key figure in goalkeeper Salvador Ichazo. The Uruguayan shot-stopper delivered when it mattered most, preserving the aggregate advantage for “El Poderoso.”

A tightly contested first half

The match began with the visitors urgently searching for a goal. Just four minutes in, Federico Martínez tested the defense with a shot that Ichazo handled comfortably.

As the minutes passed, DIM began to control possession, led in attack by Francisco Fydriszewski. Their clearest chance of the half came from a free kick by Frank Fabra, whose strike crashed off the crossbar.

Ichazo soon became the standout performer, denying two attempts from striker Facundo Barceló, while Medellín responded with efforts from Esneyder Mena and John Montaño, both saved by veteran goalkeeper Martín Campaña.

Ichazo preserves the lead as Medellín hold firm

After halftime, Liverpool increased the pressure and nearly leveled the tie in the 49th minute when Rubén Bentancourt capitalized on a defensive mistake, only for Ichazo to produce another composed save.

The Uruguayan side controlled possession but struggled to break down a disciplined defense that remained organized and compact. Visiting coach Gustavo Ferrín attempted to change the momentum by introducing attackers Renzo Machado and Ramiro Digregorio, but the breakthrough never came.

Meanwhile, Medellín began to find space on the counterattack and nearly sealed the series in the 79th minute. Enzo Larrosa delivered a precise cross to Fydriszewski, whose header sailed just over the bar.

Medellín continue their Libertadores dream

In the closing minutes, Deportivo Independiente Medellín looked closer to scoring against a physically worn opponent. The goalless draw was enough to secure qualification and keep their continental hopes alive.

The Colombian side will now face the winner of the Guaraní vs. Juventud series in the next round, carrying the confidence of a team that endured pressure, showed resilience, and proved its competitive character on the continental stage.