Alianza vs Santa Fe Prediction & Betting Tips (28 August)

The Copa Colombia clash between Alianza Petrolera and Independiente Santa Fe on August 28 promises a compelling narrative, with both sides entering the knockout stage with contrasting momentum. Alianza, under the guidance of coach Henry Rojas, has struggled to find rhythm in recent outings, drawing 0-0 with Once Caldas and losing three of their last five matches. Despite their dip in form, they remain unbeaten in the Copa Colombia this season, with two wins and two draws, and boast a solid goal average of 2.5 per match in the tournament. Their home advantage at Estadio Daniel Villa Zapata could be pivotal, especially considering their emphatic 6-1 win over Santa Fe earlier this year.

Santa Fe, led by the fiery Jorge Bava, arrives in Barrancabermeja with a sharper edge. The Bogotá-based side has won three of their last five matches, including a 1-0 victory over Envigado, and has conceded just 0.6 goals per game in that stretch. Bava has been vocal about his squad’s rising form, particularly praising goalkeeper Mosquera Marmolejo and winger Harold Mosquera, both of whom he believes deserve national team call-ups. Santa Fe’s defensive discipline and tactical maturity have been their hallmark, and they’ll be keen to avenge their previous drubbing at the hands of Alianza.

On the player front, Alianza will look to Felipe Pardo and Pedro Franco to provide the spark. Pardo, with seven goals this season, remains their most potent threat, while Franco’s leadership at the back will be crucial against Santa Fe’s pressing style. Santa Fe counters with Francisco Chaverra, their top scorer, and Jersson González, who has been instrumental in creating chances. The midfield battle could tilt the balance, with Santa Fe’s Marcelo Ortiz and Yílmar Velásquez offering both grit and creativity.

Given the recent form and tactical setups, a 2-1 scoreline in favor of Alianza seems plausible. Their home record and historical dominance in head-to-head matchups—winning three of the last four—suggest they can edge past Santa Fe, albeit narrowly. Expect a tense affair with moments of brilliance from both sides, but Alianza’s urgency to bounce back and their attacking pedigree might just be enough to seal the win and keep their Copa Colombia dream alive.