Last Saturday, Atlético Bucaramanga achieved a historic victory by being crowned Colombian soccer champion for the first time in its 75-year history. The exciting outcome came in the penalty shootout, where the Leopards won 6-5 over Independent Santa Fe, despite having lost 3-2 in the second leg of the final of the Betplay 2024-I League, closing a 3-3 aggregate. The key figure in the victory was goalkeeper Aldair Quintana, who saved two decisive penalties at the El Campín stadium in Bogotá.
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The defeat in the final was a devastating blow for the fans and managers of Santa Fe, who are already planning a profound reorganization for the second semester. Its rumors and confirmations of player departures They have not been long in coming, indicating significant changes in the cardinal team’s roster.
The departures from Santa Fe
One of the first to confirm his departure was Ivan Scarpetta. Journalist Carlos Alemán, known for his proximity to Santa Fe, revealed that Scarpetta will end his contract and will not continue with the team. This decision marks the beginning of a series of changes that could affect other key players on the squad.
Another player whose continuity in Santa Fe is in doubt is Juan Pablo Zuluaga. Although his contract with the club extends until December of this year, there is a clause that would allow him to leave if he receives an offer from outside football. This situation has generated uncertainty about his future, since the possibility of emigrating to another country could materialize at any time.
Besides, Julián Millán, one of the pillars of the Cardinal defense during the campaign, He published an emotional message on his social networks that many interpreted as a farewell. “With a heart full of feelings, but I can only thank you for everything, for absolutely everything. THANK YOU TO EACH LEON FOR THE LOVE AND SUPPORT, I HOPE ONE DAY TO BE ABLE TO CELEBRATE THAT TITLE THAT WE ALL WANT! God bless you always,” Millán wrote. It should be remembered that a few weeks ago reports of interest from Mexican teams in the defender emerged, which could explain his possible departure.
The panorama of uncertainty extends to Jerson González, who has aroused the interest of an MLS team. Although no specific details have been revealed, his departure also appears imminent, adding to the list of possible casualties for the team.
Added to these potential outputs is Daniel Moreno, who was already separated from the team a couple of months ago due to indiscipline problems. His case was one of the first to point out the need for restructuring in Santa Fe, seeking to strengthen both sporting performance and internal discipline.
In the midst of this restructuring process, Santa Fe managers are evaluating options in the transfer market to strengthen the team and face the challenges of the second semester with a renewed squad. The loss of the final has been a call to reflection and action, with the aim of building a more competitive and disciplined team.
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The fans, although hurt by the defeat, hope that these changes bring with them a positive renewal and that the team can once again be the protagonist in the next tournament. Meanwhile, the transfer market and administrative decisions will set the course for an Independiente Santa Fe that seeks to emerge strongly after the hard blow received in the final against Bucaramanga.
