Santa Fe Routs Caracas To Book Round of 16 Clash With River Plate

The Colombian side completed a dominant performance against Caracas FC, winning 3-0 in Venezuela and advancing 5-0 on aggregate to the CONMEBOL Sudamericana Round of 16, where River Plate awaits.

Independiente Santa Fe secured an emphatic place in the 2026 CONMEBOL Sudamericana Round of 16 after defeating Caracas FC 3-0 in the second leg at Estadio Metropolitano de Lara. The Colombian club completed a commanding 5-0 aggregate victory and will now face Argentine giants River Plate in the next round.

Holding a 2-0 advantage from the first leg in Bogotá, Pablo Repetto's side once again displayed composure and control away from home. Santa Fe dictated the tempo for long stretches while preventing Caracas from generating the momentum needed for an unlikely comeback.

The breakthrough came in the 55th minute, when Nahuel Bustos found the back of the net to extend Santa Fe's aggregate lead and put the tie firmly out of reach.

Caracas' hopes faded even further in the 76th minute, when defender Ángel Figueroa accidentally turned the ball into his own net. Six minutes later, Franco Fagúndez completed the rout with Santa Fe's third goal of the night in the 82nd minute, capping off an outstanding all-around performance.

Having dominated both legs of the playoff, Santa Fe now turns its attention to a blockbuster Round of 16 showdown against River Plate, as the Colombian club continues its pursuit of CONMEBOL Sudamericana glory.