Independiente Medellín secured a vital 2-1 away victory against Liverpool Montevideo in the first leg of their Copa Libertadores second qualifying round on February 17, 2026. A dramatic stoppage-time header from Hayen Palacios sealed the win for the Colombian side at the Estadio Parque Alfredo Víctor Viera.
Match Summary
The first half remained scoreless, though Liverpool dominated early possession and nearly took the lead in the 4th minute when a Renzo Machado header was denied by a spectacular save from Salvador Ichazo. The game opened up in the second half, with Francisco Fydriszewski breaking the deadlock for the visitors before Liverpool equalized through Santiago Strasorier. The deadlock was finally broken in the 92nd minute when Frank Fabra set up Palacios for the winning goal.
Goal Timeline
| Time | Team | Scorer | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 52′ | Independiente Medellín | Francisco Fydriszewski | Clinical finish to open the scoring for the visitors. |
| 64′ | Liverpool (URU) | Santiago Strasorier | Equalized for the home side following a sustained period of pressure. |
| 90+2′ | Independiente Medellín | Hayen Palacios | Stoppage-time header assisted by Frank Fabra to secure the win. |
Key Match Statistics
- Venue: Estadio Parque Alfredo Víctor Viera, Montevideo, Uruguay.
- Referee: Bruno Arleu (Brazil).
- Booking: Enzo Larrosa (Ind. Medellín) received a yellow card in the 82nd minute.
- Substitution of Note: Goalscorer Hayen Palacios entered the match in the 60th minute.
The return leg is scheduled for Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at the Estadio Atanasio Girardot in Medellín, Colombia.
Betting Review
Independiente Medellín’s 2-1 victory over Liverpool Montevideo on February 17, 2026, was a major result for bettors backing the Colombian visitors and late-game action. Despite Liverpool entering as slight home favorites, a 92nd-minute winning goal from Hayen Palacios flipped the “Under” and “Draw” markets in the final moments.
Key Betting Outcomes
- Match Result (1X2): Independiente Medellín (Away Win) was the winning selection. Pre-match odds for a Medellín victory were generally priced between +185 and +200 (approx. 2.85 to 3.00 decimal).
- Over/Under 2.5 Goals: The Over 2.5 market hit in stoppage time. Before kickoff, the “Under” was the favored outcome at odds of -150 to -175, while the “Over” offered higher value at around +125 to +130.
- Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Backing “Yes” was successful, with closing odds typically around +105 to +115.
- Correct Score: The 1-2 scoreline was a long-shot winner, often priced at 10/1 (+1000) or higher before the match.
Betting Market Summary
| Market | Selection | Pre-Match Odds (Avg) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moneyline (1X2) | Liverpool Montevideo | +145 to +160 | Loss |
| Moneyline (1X2) | Draw | +190 to +210 | Loss |
| Moneyline (1X2) | Ind. Medellín | +185 to +200 | Win |
| Total Goals | Over 2.5 | +130 | Win |
| Total Goals | Under 2.5 | -165 | Loss |
| BTTS | Yes | +110 | Win |
Betting Performance Insights
- Late Market Swing: The match was tracking toward a 1-1 draw, which would have favored “Under 2.5” bettors and “Draw” backers. The 92nd-minute goal by Palacios caused a significant “bad beat” for those markets while rewarding Medellín supporters and “Over” bettors.
- Underdog Success: While some sportsbooks had the match nearly even, Liverpool was the slight favorite at home (+145). Medellín’s win represents a successful underdog play for those who backed the more experienced Colombian side in continental competition.
- First Half Markets: Bettors who played Under 0.5 First Half Goals or a 0-0 Half-Time Score were successful, as both teams remained scoreless until the 52nd minute.