Independiente Medellín Edges Liverpool in Montevideo to Near Next Round

A last-minute header from Hayen Palacios lifted Independiente Medellín to a crucial away victory over Liverpool (URU), putting the Colombian side on the brink of the next stage of the Copa Libertadores.

A dramatic late goal from Hayen Palacios gave Independiente Medellín a 2-1 victory over Liverpool (URU) on Tuesday in Montevideo, moving the Colombian club closer to the third qualifying round of the Copa Libertadores.

The fullback, who joined recently after winning the Uruguayan league with Nacional, entered the match in the 60th minute and headed home in stoppage time to seal the win. His goal completed the work started by Argentine forward Francisco Fydriszewski, who opened the scoring and created most of the attacking danger for the team coached by Alejandro Restrepo.

Liverpool Dominates Early but Cannot Capitalize

Liverpool controlled much of the first half and created several clear chances. Just four minutes in, goalkeeper Salvador Ichazo produced a spectacular save to deny Renzo Machado, who nearly scored with a header.

The visitors responded with opportunities of their own. Esneyder Mena and Francisco Fydriszewski combined down the right flank before captain Didier Moreno fired a shot that was cleared by Martín Campaña.

The home side continued pressing, but Ichazo emerged as one of the standout performers, stopping efforts from Kevin Lewis and later denying Machado in a one-on-one chance.

The first half at Parque Alfredo Víctor Viera ended scoreless.

Goals Arrive Late as Medellín Strikes Decisiively

Everything changed after the break. Independiente Medellín came out determined and quickly found the opener. José Ortiz cleared the ball from defense, Fydriszewski controlled it inside the box and finished clinically past Campaña to make it 1-0.

The Colombian side pushed for a second, but Campaña denied Francisco Chaverra, while Fydriszewski missed a header.

Against the run of play, Liverpool equalized. Diego Romero delivered a corner and defender Santiago Strasorier headed in the 1-1.

When the match appeared destined for a draw, Palacios rose above Campaña in stoppage time to head home the winner, giving Independiente Medellín a vital advantage ahead of the return leg at Estadio Atanasio Girardot.

The Colombian side now stands close to advancing, with the winner of the series set to face the victor between Juventud and Guaraní in the next round.