Colombia’s Independiente Santa Fe will be leaving Buenos Aires certainly the happier of the two teams after a well earned goalless draw against Huracán on Wednesday night in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana final.

El Globo are already making history with their first final appearance in an international cup competition and are certainly developing something of a reputation as a ‘cup side’ following their recent Copa Argentina and Recopa triumphs. However, defeat against Santa Fe will render much of this worthless and the journey to the Copa Sudamericana final will gradually fade into memory.

Eager to prevent this it was the home side that pressed from kickoff and looked to utilise the talents of centre forward, Ramón Ábila. Santa Fe have already demonstrated in the tournament how well drilled they are and for the most part nullified this threat.

In fact, during a first half that Huracán enjoyed more of the ball it was the visitors that came closest to scoring. Luis Seijas’ cross from the left was met by the head of Daniel Angulo and with Marcos Diaz beaten the ball crashed back off the crossbar.

The second half followed a similar pattern with Huracán unable to fashion any clear chances and Santa Fe seemingly content with sitting back and ensuring that they do not leave Argentina trailing.

The goalless draw undoubtedly now makes the Colombians favourites and in the altitude of Bogota, El Globo will need to produce one of their finest performances to end their wait for international glory.

Huracán  0 – 0  Independiente Santa Fe

Second leg is next Wednesday – no away goals rule in the final.