Santa Fe Rely on Rodallega to Start Copa Sudamericana Quarterfinal on the Front Foot

Independiente Santa Fe are counting on veteran striker Hugo Rodallega to give them a strong start against Vasco da Gama in the Copa Sudamericana quarterfinals. At 41, Rodallega still dreams of lifting a continental trophy.

The Bogotá club, coached by Uruguayan Pablo Repetto, reached the quarterfinals after eliminating River Plate. Santa Fe have gone 10 matches without defeat, winning four and drawing six. Goalkeeper Weimar Asprilla, who replaced the injured Andrés Mosquera Marmolejo, veteran Daniel Torres and Uruguayan midfielder Franco Fagúndez have been among the team’s standout performers. Fagúndez has scored four goals in his last four appearances.

Santa Fe will also be without Kevin Balanta and Ómar Fernández Frasica because of injuries. Repetto can, however, use winger Emerson Rivaldo Rodríguez and goalkeeper Juan Daniel Espitia, who became eligible after their recent signings were registered.

Vasco arrived in Bogotá with several players left out for technical reasons. The Brazilian club sit 17th in the Brasileirão with 25 points and are fighting to avoid relegation. Coach Pedro Emanuel did not take Colombians Carlos Cuesta and Andrés Gómez or midfielder Adson. Facundo Colidio is not registered for the tournament, while veteran midfielder Thiago Mendes is suspended after accumulating yellow cards.

Vasco can still call on Argentine midfielder Santiago Sosa, Portuguese winger Nuno Moreira, Colombian midfielder Andrés Rojas and striker Bruno Duarte, who recently joined from Red Star Belgrade. The winner of the tie will face the winner of Boca Juniors against São Paulo in the semifinals.