Barranquilla’s Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez is moving into its final preparation phase for the Copa Sudamericana final, with CONMEBOL inspectors spending four days at the Colombian venue to examine the work still required before November’s showpiece.
Key takeaways
- CONMEBOL carried out its stadium inspection in Barranquilla from 29 September to 2 October.
- The Copa Sudamericana final is scheduled for Saturday, 21 November, in Colombia.
- Atlético-MG could meet Montevideo City Torque in one semi-final route to the final.
- Vasco da Gama face Boca Juniors for the other place in the decisive match.
- Officials assessed construction progress, access arrangements and the spaces assigned to supporters and tournament participants.
Barranquilla preparations under review
The visit covered both the physical condition of the Metropolitano and the operational plan for the final. CONMEBOL’s delegation moved through different parts of the ground, checking infrastructure, reviewing ongoing works and dealing with administrative matters connected to the event.
Particular attention was given to working areas, entry points and operational zones. The inspection also addressed the sections that will be used by fans, the competing clubs, travelling delegations, media and other personnel involved in the final.
CONMEBOL reported progress through the joint work involving the South American confederation, the Colombian Football Federation, Barranquilla’s city authorities and the construction teams at the stadium.
Brazilian clubs remain in contention
The semi-finals will determine who travels to Colombia. Vasco will take on Boca Juniors over the next two Tuesdays, with both fixtures kicking off at 21:30 Brasília time. The opening leg will be played at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires.
Atlético-MG, meanwhile, are set to play Montevideo City Torque on the following two Wednesdays. Those matches are due to begin at 19:00 Brasília time, leaving the Belo Horizonte club with a route to Barranquilla if they can overcome their Uruguayan opponents.
For now, the Metropolitano is preparing for every possibility: a single-match continental final on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, with the finalists still to emerge from Buenos Aires, Belo Horizonte and Montevideo.
