Bogota based soccer team Millonarios won their first piece of domestic silverware in 23 years and their first Copa Colombia Postobon since 1963 on Thursday after a late goal gave them a 2-0 aggregate victory over Boyaca Chico.
In a fast paced first half both teams had a series of half chances and long range efforts but lacked penetration and a cutting edge. The best chance of the first half fell to Millonarios’ Edison Toloza when a cross from the right found him unmarked on the edge of the six-yard box. However, with the ball delivered behind the striker his attempt at a spectacular over-head kick dribbled wide of the post.
Millonarios began to take command in the second half, dominating possession without creating any clear cut chances. Chico’s hopes began to fade after 73 minutes when midfielder Avimileth Rivas was sent off for a second bookable offence. Five minutes later Millonarios had a chance to put the game out of reach when they were awarded a penalty. Mayer Candelo stepped up, only to see his shot saved by Chico goalkeeper Christian Bonilla.
Candelo made amends shortly after when Bonilla hit a shocking mis-kick straight to the Millonarios midfielder. Candelo took the ball wide of the last defender before flicking it past the keeper with the outside of the boot.
The goal gave Millonarios a 2-0 aggregate lead, following their 1-0 victory at Chico’s La Independencia stadium last week.
As the 40,000 fans packed into the El Campin stadium celebrated, Millonarios goalkeeper Nelson Ramos said, “all of this is for them [the fans] and for their families, for the love they show us every day.”
He added, “you have to continue moving forwards, we will enjoy it tonight, but tomorrow it is back to work, thinking about the league.”
Victory in the cup means Millonarios will now compete in next year’s Copa Sudamericana.
