Deportivo Independiente Medellín faces a challenging start to their 2026 CONMEBOL Libertadores campaign, traveling to Uruguay to face Liverpool on February 18th. The match comes at a precarious moment for the Colombian side, who have secured their place in the competition through a strong showing in the previous tournament’s reclasificación stage, but are currently experiencing a challenging run of form domestically.
Through seven matches played in 2026, Medellín has only secured one victory, scoring eight goals although conceding ten. Their defensive record reveals a lack of solidity, with only one clean sheet to their name. Despite these struggles, head coach Alejandro Restrepo remains optimistic, believing the prestige of the Libertadores can galvanize his team.
“Competing at the international level always provides that extra boost and a positive mindset,” Restrepo stated in a recent appearance on ESPN’s SportsCenter. He emphasized the importance of capitalizing on this opportunity, noting, “We know we have a great opportunity tomorrow, starting here as visitors in Uruguay and finishing at home in eight days.”
Restrepo downplayed the need for drastic tactical changes, instead focusing on “small adjustments” that he believes can make the difference in tight contests. He acknowledged the team’s difficult start to the season, stating, “The start of the championship hasn’t been easy due to various situations,” but also highlighted recent improvements in performance.
The integration of new signings is also a priority for the coaching staff. Restrepo noted that the new players are “acquiring the concepts of our game idea, the way the team competes and wants to express itself on the field.” He also stressed the importance of collective compactness, identifying it as an area needing improvement.
Looking ahead to the match against Liverpool, Restrepo acknowledged the Uruguayan side’s clear tactical identity. “We’ve seen a team that knows what it’s playing for, that has a defined structure,” he said. His team will focus on understanding and countering Liverpool’s individual strengths and established patterns of play while implementing their own game plan.
Amidst the pressure and criticism, Restrepo remains resolute. “Don’t lose focus,” he asserted, adding, “Maintain the conviction that things are being done right… the results are closer to arriving.”
Medellín understands that the Libertadores demands immediate results and offers little patience for prolonged rebuilding processes. The match in Uruguay represents a crucial test for a team seeking to translate their coach’s optimistic rhetoric into tangible success on the continental stage. According to ESPN, ESPN and Plan Premium Disney+ will broadcast the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2025 and 2027/30 seasons. The November 29th, 2025 final between Palmeiras and Flamengo was broadcast on ESPN in Plan Premium Disney+.
