As the group phase of the Copa Libertadores moves into the home straight, only four teams have so far booked their place in the knockout rounds -- Barcelona of Ecuador, Godoy Cruz and River Plate of Argentina and Atletico Mineiro of Brazil.

Twelve places remain. One of the themes of this week's action is clear; how many, if any, of these slots will go to Colombia?

The idea of a Colombian wipeout seems strange. But the possibility exists that all three Colombian representatives will fail to make...

More than five months after that tragic air crash, Chapecoense made it safely up to Medellin to face Atletico Nacional in a game that will enrich the history of football.

In the wake of the tragedy the two clubs became firm friends, and the ties were strengthened on a moving night in Medellin.

Centre-back Neto, one of the survivors, met up with the Colombian policeman who found him lying in the wreckage and began his rescue at a moment when the search was in danger of being abandoned. A ceremony...

Chapecoense, the Brazilian club that suffered the air disaster at the end of November, had a reason to smile on Sunday, when their rebuilt team landed the local title. For the sixth time, and the second year in succession, they are champions of Santa Catarina, one of the 27 states that make up this giant country.

It was an emotional celebration, with coach Vagner Mancini and his players paying tribute to those who died over five months ago. Being champions of their southern state is evidence...