Junior FC booked their place in the Liga BetPlay DIMAYOR I-2026 grand final after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Independiente Santa Fe on Saturday, May 23, 2026.
The second-leg semifinal at the Romelio Martinez Stadium in Barranquilla ended 0-0, leaving the aggregate score tied at 1-1 and forcing penalties.
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Junior FC converted all five of their spot kicks, with Teófilo Gutiérrez scoring the decisive fifth penalty.
Santa Fe's Hugo Rodallega hit the crossbar, allowing the home side to advance.
Match Highlights
Junior FC dominated possession and applied high pressure in the first half but struggled to convert chances.
Santa Fe goalkeeper Andrés Mosquera Marmolejo made key saves, including a stop from Jhomier Guerrero's long-range effort.
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Rodallega also missed a late header for Santa Fe, striking the post.
The match was the first at Romelio Martinez for Junior FC in 40 years, but the occasion was marred by a violent altercation between fans outside the stadium before kickoff.
Local police have not released an official report on injuries, and DIMAYOR typically does not sanction incidents outside the venue.
Junior FC will now face Atlético Nacional for the league title.
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Barranquilla Mayor Alejandro Char celebrated the victory, posting a video of himself dancing and writing, "Estamos en la final papá."
