Santa Fe vs Deportivo Cali — Colombian Primera A

**Santa Fe 0-1 Deportivo Cali**

**What set this match apart:** This was a very typical match: only small details set it apart; 82% of matches were more unusual than this one. The most striking feature was the lack of aerial presence, with only 11 aerial duels won between the two teams (Santa Fe 6, Deportivo Cali 5), a volume at the 4th percentile of joint volume. Similarly, ground duels were rare, with only 50 won in total (6th percentile of joint volume), though Deportivo Cali was clearly ahead with 27 to 23 (67th percentile of gaps).

**How it played out:** Both sides spent a great deal of time in the opponent's territory, completing 405 passes in the attacking half (97th percentile of joint volume) with no real difference between them. Santa Fe exerted sustained pressure near the goal, recording 9 corners to Deportivo Cali's 3 (90th percentile of gaps). While few shots inside the box were recorded in the match (14 in total, 22nd percentile of joint volume), Santa Fe was clearly ahead with 11 to 3 (88th percentile of gaps). This pressure was mirrored by the defensive actions of Deportivo Cali, who made 33 clearances to Santa Fe's 18 (80th percentile of gaps), and were clearly ahead in blocked shots with 2 to 0 (65th percentile of gaps). Santa Fe also found more success in one-on-one situations, as they were clearly ahead with 5 successful dribbles to 3 (68th percentile of gaps). Despite these efforts, both teams opted for long-range attempts, recording 14 shots from distance (93rd percentile of joint volume), with Santa Fe making 8 to Deportivo Cali's 6 (69th percentile of gaps).

**Verdict:** The fair probabilities are Santa Fe win 29%, draw 44%, and Deportivo Cali win 27%. The performances leaned towards a draw, but the actual result was far from unlikely. Santa Fe created 4 big chances to Deportivo Cali's 1, yet the narrow 1-0 scoreline reflects a closely contested battle.