Cali and Santa Fe Reach Libertadores Women’s Quarterfinals

Colombia’s women’s football boasts two of the continent’s top eight clubs. Deportivo Cali and Independiente Santa Fe topped their groups and will meet in the 2026 Copa Libertadores Women’s quarter‑finals. Both sides have contested the last three Betplay Women’s League finals, cementing their dominance in the professional scene. In my view, Cali’s squad looks unstoppable.

Now they aim to export that domestic supremacy abroad, especially the sugar‑cane squad that…

…comes off three FPC titles but still lacks a Libertadores crown. Colombia’s only champion of the ‘Eternal Glory’ is Atlético Huila, which beat Santos on penalties in 2018 after a 1‑1 draw.

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Deportivo Cali chases the Libertadores Women’s title

Jhon Alber Ortiz’s side opened against Universidad de Chile with a 3‑0 lead by the 35th minute. Four minutes later the Chileans pulled two back, forcing the Colombians to endure pressure throughout the second half in Ecuador.

No further goals came in extra time, and the 3‑2 win secured Cali’s top spot in Group D. A 1‑1 draw with Libertad and victories over Nacional and Universidad de Chile gave them seven points and a +3 goal difference.

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Santa Fe dreams of an international crown

Despite clinching a quarter‑final berth early, Las Leonas suffered a 5‑1 defeat to Corinthians, the current champions with six Libertadores titles, including three straight.

The Colombians struck first, Kelly Ibarguen scoring in the fourth minute. Two minutes later Brazil equalised. The visitors led 2‑1 at halftime and added three more in the second period.

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Libertadores Women’s quarter‑finals

Deportivo Cali will face Olimpia in the first knockout round. Remember, the Sugar‑cane team fell to the Paraguayans in the group stage, so this matchup poses a real test for Colombia’s champions.

Independiente Santa Fe draws Palmeiras, another heavyweight of the women’s Libertadores. The Brazilian club lifted the continental trophy in 2022, beating Boca Juniors 4‑1 at Ecuador’s Rodrigo Paz Delgado stadium.

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