Colo-Colo fans stormed the pitch at Monumental Stadium in Santiago 24 minutes into the second half during their match against Fortaleza, part of the second round of the Libertadores group stage. The chaos, fueled by objects thrown onto the field and shattered glass, led to the game’s suspension by Conmebol. Outside the stadium, the situation was equally dire: two Chilean fans lost their lives, escalating the anger among supporters. The tense atmosphere made resuming the match impossible, with players from both teams retreating to the locker rooms for safety. Conmebol’s decision to suspend the game followed its protocol, which allows up to 45 minutes to assess whether conditions permit continuation.
The match started competitively, with Colo-Colo controlling much of the first half, boasting 74% possession and eight shots. Fortaleza’s goalkeeper, João Ricardo, stood out, thwarting dangerous moves by the Chilean side. Despite the pressure, the score remained 0-0 at halftime. In the second half, tension was palpable, with objects hurled onto the pitch and players attempting to de-escalate. The invasion, however, shifted the game’s trajectory, turning a sporting event into a scene of disorder.
Outside the stadium, clashes in the surrounding areas left fans injured, and news of the two deaths spread quickly, further fueling unrest. On the field, Colo-Colo players like Isla and Vidal tried to calm their supporters, but their efforts fell short. Fortaleza confirmed that all its players, staff, and officials were safe in the locker rooms after the incident. The suspension announcement came over the stadium’s sound system, prompting many fans to leave, though the situation outside remained volatile.
Match background
The Libertadores is renowned for its intensity, and the Colo-Colo versus Fortaleza clash promised fireworks from the moment the groups were drawn. Colo-Colo, Chile’s reigning champions with 34 domestic titles, leaned on their passionate home crowd during the club’s centenary year. Stars like Arturo Vidal and Mauricio Isla, with experience at top European clubs, heightened expectations for a fierce contest. Fortaleza, meanwhile, arrived amid a rocky season, aiming to rebound from a loss in their tournament opener.
Monumental Stadium, the match’s venue, had already made headlines days earlier due to a cockroach infestation in the Océano section, recorded during a Copa Chile game. The viral images sparked questions about the stadium’s conditions, yet the match kicked off with high anticipation. Colo-Colo’s fans were fired up, directing taunts at Fortaleza, particularly at forward Juan Martín Lucero, a former Colo-Colo player.
In the first half, Colo-Colo set the pace early, dominating possession and creating clear chances. At nine minutes, Cepeda went one-on-one with João Ricardo but misfired, squandering a prime opportunity. Fortaleza struggled to build play, generating few threats, with Marinho as their main outlet. The Ceará-based side’s defense, anchored by Kuscevic, held firm against the initial onslaught, but signs of friction beyond the pitch were already evident.
Pivotal moments before the halt
The second half saw Fortaleza make key substitutions, bringing on Moisés and Deyverson to bolster their attack. Colo-Colo, however, kept up the pressure, with Correa and Cepeda testing João Ricardo’s reflexes. At the 24-minute mark, the situation spiraled: fans began tossing iron fragments onto the field, and the glass barrier between the pitch and stands was shattered. The invasion followed, with dozens of supporters flooding the field—some wielding objects, others snapping photos with Colo-Colo players.
- Key plays before the stoppage:
- 9’ 1H: Colo-Colo’s Cepeda fires a cross-shot from close range, but the ball goes out for a goal kick.
- 25’ 1H: Correa weaves through Fortaleza’s defense and shoots powerfully, only for João Ricardo to save.
- 32’ 1H: Fortaleza capitalizes on a Colo-Colo error; Mancuso sets up Marinho, who finds Lucero, but the shot goes wide.
- 17’ 2H: Cepeda tries from distance, and João Ricardo makes another solid stop.
- 24’ 2H: Fans throw objects onto the pitch, halting play before the invasion erupts.
Aquí está la “manifestación” de creen más importantes que el club le dieron 3 puntos a fortaleza hijos de puta #VamosColoColo pic.twitter.com/zvSwGa3bkS
— PAVEZ MALO CTM ⚫️⚪️⚫️ (@V1NCENZOO__) April 11, 2025
Referee Gustavo Tejera and his crew attempted to manage the situation, but the presence of fans on the field rendered continuation unfeasible. Fortaleza players sprinted to the tunnel, while Colo-Colo’s squad engaged with supporters in a bid to restore calm. The stadium’s speakers announced the suspension, and many fans began exiting, though unrest persisted outside.
Fallout from the suspension
The stoppage had immediate repercussions for both teams. Per Conmebol’s protocol, a match can resume after 45 minutes if safety is restored, but the severity of the events, including the deaths outside, made that unlikely. In the locker rooms, players from both sides agreed the atmosphere was unfit for play, supporting the suspension decision.
For Fortaleza, already reeling from an opening Libertadores loss, the incident adds uncertainty. The Brazilian side needed a positive result to stay in contention in Group E, and the episode could lead to sanctions for Colo-Colo, such as point deductions or loss of home advantage. Conmebol has yet to issue a final ruling, but teams causing disruptions often face stiff penalties.
Colo-Colo’s centenary campaign took a hit with the incident. The club, which drew in their Libertadores debut, banked on home support to top the group. The deaths, though not directly tied to on-field events, deepened the negative fallout, affecting the club’s image and the match’s organization.
Immediate reactions
News of the suspension spread swiftly, with videos of the invasion and chaos flooding social media. Fortaleza released a statement confirming the safety of its delegation, while Colo-Colo had yet to comment officially. The refereeing team, escorted to the locker rooms, awaited Conmebol’s guidance on next steps.
Outside, tensions lingered. Clashes between fans and security forces were reported, and the deaths shocked the sports community. The rivalry, inflamed since the group draw, turned tragic, sparking discussions about safety at Libertadores matches. Past taunts, especially targeting Lucero, were cited as fueling the hostile climate.
Libertadores history of flashpoints
The Libertadores often delivers high-stakes drama, and incidents like Santiago’s are not unprecedented. The tournament, showcasing South America’s elite clubs, has seen stoppages due to pitch invasions, object-throwing, and fan clashes. For Colo-Colo and Fortaleza, the match was a chance to make a statement, but the focus shifted from sport to safety.
Colo-Colo entered as favorites, backed by their legacy and fervent fans, while Fortaleza aimed to defy expectations with grit. The suspension redirected attention to logistical and security failures, leaving Conmebol to review reports from officials and security teams to determine the game’s outcome.
Fortaleza’s challenges
Fortaleza faces a tough season. With only three wins in their last 13 matches, the club is under pressure to turn things around. Their Libertadores opening loss, combined with this suspension, complicates their Group E standing. Relying on veterans like Marinho and Lucero, the team must regroup quickly to keep their qualification hopes alive.
João Ricardo’s performance, with critical saves, was a rare highlight. His composure under Colo-Colo’s barrage kept the score level until the chaos. Still, the incident’s emotional toll could weigh on the squad as they await Conmebol’s decision.
Colo-Colo’s predicament
For Colo-Colo, the suspension is a setback in a milestone year. After a draw in their Libertadores opener, a home win was crucial for group leadership. Their passionate fanbase, however, crossed into violence, risking severe consequences like point losses or closed-door games.
Vidal and Isla showed leadership by engaging with fans, but the widespread disorder proved uncontainable. The external deaths, though unrelated to the club directly, thrust Colo-Colo into a broader crisis, with implications beyond football.
Match highlights
Before the disruption, the game featured defining moments. Colo-Colo dictated the attack, while Fortaleza leaned on defensive resilience. Key plays included:
- At 3 minutes of the first half, Rodriguez broke down the left, but the pitch ran out, earning a corner.
- At 20 minutes, Isla struck a first-time shot off a rehearsed corner, sailing over the bar.
- At 41 minutes, Lucero went down in the box under the Colo-Colo keeper’s challenge, but the referee waved off penalty claims.
- In the second half, at 15 minutes, Lucero earned a yellow card after a blocked cross.
- At 24 minutes, objects hit the pitch, triggering the stoppage and subsequent invasion.
What lies ahead
The suspension leaves Group E up in the air. Atlético Bucaramanga leads with four points, followed by Colo-Colo with two. Fortaleza, with just one point, needs strong results to avoid an early exit. Conmebol will likely announce the game’s fate soon, ranging from rescheduling to penalizing Colo-Colo.
For fans, the incident underscores the fine line between passion and chaos. The Libertadores thrives on intensity but demands accountability to prevent tragedies. The deaths and invasion highlight the urgency for stricter stadium security measures.
Fortaleza now shifts focus to Brazil’s domestic league while awaiting clarity. Colo-Colo grapples with the fallout, both on and off the pitch. A match meant to showcase ambition ended as a grim chapter in the tournament’s story.
O Fortaleza informa que todos os atletas, diretores, comissão e staff estão bem e seguros após a invasão de alguns torcedores do Colo-Colo em campo, no Estádio Monumental David Arellano, em Santiago. #FortalezaEC
— Fortaleza Esporte Clube 🦁 (@FortalezaEC) April 11, 2025
🕐 2T Partida paralisada.🦁
⚽ 0-0 | #COLXFOR#VamosFortaleza #Libertadores
— Fortaleza Esporte Clube 🦁 (@FortalezaEC) April 11, 2025
⚠️ Duas pessoas morreram durante a entrada para o jogo para Colo-Colo x Fortaleza, pela Libertadores. A confusão teria acontecido após a tentativa de invasão dos torcedores ao estádio. O jogo foi paralisado após parte da torcida entrar no gramado em forma de protesto.
📷 AFP;… pic.twitter.com/3RHY2fg8yz
— ge (@geglobo) April 11, 2025
⚠️ Duas pessoas morreram durante a entrada para o jogo para Colo-Colo x Fortaleza, pela Libertadores. A confusão teria acontecido após a tentativa de invasão dos torcedores ao estádio. O jogo foi paralisado após parte da torcida entrar no gramado em forma de protesto.
📷 AFP;… pic.twitter.com/3RHY2fg8yz
— ge (@geglobo) April 11, 2025

Colo-Colo fans stormed the pitch at Monumental Stadium in Santiago 24 minutes into the second half during their match against Fortaleza, part of the second round of the Libertadores group stage. The chaos, fueled by objects thrown onto the field and shattered glass, led to the game’s suspension by Conmebol. Outside the stadium, the situation was equally dire: two Chilean fans lost their lives, escalating the anger among supporters. The tense atmosphere made resuming the match impossible, with players from both teams retreating to the locker rooms for safety. Conmebol’s decision to suspend the game followed its protocol, which allows up to 45 minutes to assess whether conditions permit continuation.
The match started competitively, with Colo-Colo controlling much of the first half, boasting 74% possession and eight shots. Fortaleza’s goalkeeper, João Ricardo, stood out, thwarting dangerous moves by the Chilean side. Despite the pressure, the score remained 0-0 at halftime. In the second half, tension was palpable, with objects hurled onto the pitch and players attempting to de-escalate. The invasion, however, shifted the game’s trajectory, turning a sporting event into a scene of disorder.
Outside the stadium, clashes in the surrounding areas left fans injured, and news of the two deaths spread quickly, further fueling unrest. On the field, Colo-Colo players like Isla and Vidal tried to calm their supporters, but their efforts fell short. Fortaleza confirmed that all its players, staff, and officials were safe in the locker rooms after the incident. The suspension announcement came over the stadium’s sound system, prompting many fans to leave, though the situation outside remained volatile.
Match background
The Libertadores is renowned for its intensity, and the Colo-Colo versus Fortaleza clash promised fireworks from the moment the groups were drawn. Colo-Colo, Chile’s reigning champions with 34 domestic titles, leaned on their passionate home crowd during the club’s centenary year. Stars like Arturo Vidal and Mauricio Isla, with experience at top European clubs, heightened expectations for a fierce contest. Fortaleza, meanwhile, arrived amid a rocky season, aiming to rebound from a loss in their tournament opener.
Monumental Stadium, the match’s venue, had already made headlines days earlier due to a cockroach infestation in the Océano section, recorded during a Copa Chile game. The viral images sparked questions about the stadium’s conditions, yet the match kicked off with high anticipation. Colo-Colo’s fans were fired up, directing taunts at Fortaleza, particularly at forward Juan Martín Lucero, a former Colo-Colo player.
In the first half, Colo-Colo set the pace early, dominating possession and creating clear chances. At nine minutes, Cepeda went one-on-one with João Ricardo but misfired, squandering a prime opportunity. Fortaleza struggled to build play, generating few threats, with Marinho as their main outlet. The Ceará-based side’s defense, anchored by Kuscevic, held firm against the initial onslaught, but signs of friction beyond the pitch were already evident.
Pivotal moments before the halt
The second half saw Fortaleza make key substitutions, bringing on Moisés and Deyverson to bolster their attack. Colo-Colo, however, kept up the pressure, with Correa and Cepeda testing João Ricardo’s reflexes. At the 24-minute mark, the situation spiraled: fans began tossing iron fragments onto the field, and the glass barrier between the pitch and stands was shattered. The invasion followed, with dozens of supporters flooding the field—some wielding objects, others snapping photos with Colo-Colo players.
- Key plays before the stoppage:
- 9’ 1H: Colo-Colo’s Cepeda fires a cross-shot from close range, but the ball goes out for a goal kick.
- 25’ 1H: Correa weaves through Fortaleza’s defense and shoots powerfully, only for João Ricardo to save.
- 32’ 1H: Fortaleza capitalizes on a Colo-Colo error; Mancuso sets up Marinho, who finds Lucero, but the shot goes wide.
- 17’ 2H: Cepeda tries from distance, and João Ricardo makes another solid stop.
- 24’ 2H: Fans throw objects onto the pitch, halting play before the invasion erupts.
Aquí está la “manifestación” de creen más importantes que el club le dieron 3 puntos a fortaleza hijos de puta #VamosColoColo pic.twitter.com/zvSwGa3bkS
— PAVEZ MALO CTM ⚫️⚪️⚫️ (@V1NCENZOO__) April 11, 2025
Referee Gustavo Tejera and his crew attempted to manage the situation, but the presence of fans on the field rendered continuation unfeasible. Fortaleza players sprinted to the tunnel, while Colo-Colo’s squad engaged with supporters in a bid to restore calm. The stadium’s speakers announced the suspension, and many fans began exiting, though unrest persisted outside.
Fallout from the suspension
The stoppage had immediate repercussions for both teams. Per Conmebol’s protocol, a match can resume after 45 minutes if safety is restored, but the severity of the events, including the deaths outside, made that unlikely. In the locker rooms, players from both sides agreed the atmosphere was unfit for play, supporting the suspension decision.
For Fortaleza, already reeling from an opening Libertadores loss, the incident adds uncertainty. The Brazilian side needed a positive result to stay in contention in Group E, and the episode could lead to sanctions for Colo-Colo, such as point deductions or loss of home advantage. Conmebol has yet to issue a final ruling, but teams causing disruptions often face stiff penalties.
Colo-Colo’s centenary campaign took a hit with the incident. The club, which drew in their Libertadores debut, banked on home support to top the group. The deaths, though not directly tied to on-field events, deepened the negative fallout, affecting the club’s image and the match’s organization.
Immediate reactions
News of the suspension spread swiftly, with videos of the invasion and chaos flooding social media. Fortaleza released a statement confirming the safety of its delegation, while Colo-Colo had yet to comment officially. The refereeing team, escorted to the locker rooms, awaited Conmebol’s guidance on next steps.
Outside, tensions lingered. Clashes between fans and security forces were reported, and the deaths shocked the sports community. The rivalry, inflamed since the group draw, turned tragic, sparking discussions about safety at Libertadores matches. Past taunts, especially targeting Lucero, were cited as fueling the hostile climate.
Libertadores history of flashpoints
The Libertadores often delivers high-stakes drama, and incidents like Santiago’s are not unprecedented. The tournament, showcasing South America’s elite clubs, has seen stoppages due to pitch invasions, object-throwing, and fan clashes. For Colo-Colo and Fortaleza, the match was a chance to make a statement, but the focus shifted from sport to safety.
Colo-Colo entered as favorites, backed by their legacy and fervent fans, while Fortaleza aimed to defy expectations with grit. The suspension redirected attention to logistical and security failures, leaving Conmebol to review reports from officials and security teams to determine the game’s outcome.
Fortaleza’s challenges
Fortaleza faces a tough season. With only three wins in their last 13 matches, the club is under pressure to turn things around. Their Libertadores opening loss, combined with this suspension, complicates their Group E standing. Relying on veterans like Marinho and Lucero, the team must regroup quickly to keep their qualification hopes alive.
João Ricardo’s performance, with critical saves, was a rare highlight. His composure under Colo-Colo’s barrage kept the score level until the chaos. Still, the incident’s emotional toll could weigh on the squad as they await Conmebol’s decision.
Colo-Colo’s predicament
For Colo-Colo, the suspension is a setback in a milestone year. After a draw in their Libertadores opener, a home win was crucial for group leadership. Their passionate fanbase, however, crossed into violence, risking severe consequences like point losses or closed-door games.
Vidal and Isla showed leadership by engaging with fans, but the widespread disorder proved uncontainable. The external deaths, though unrelated to the club directly, thrust Colo-Colo into a broader crisis, with implications beyond football.
Match highlights
Before the disruption, the game featured defining moments. Colo-Colo dictated the attack, while Fortaleza leaned on defensive resilience. Key plays included:
- At 3 minutes of the first half, Rodriguez broke down the left, but the pitch ran out, earning a corner.
- At 20 minutes, Isla struck a first-time shot off a rehearsed corner, sailing over the bar.
- At 41 minutes, Lucero went down in the box under the Colo-Colo keeper’s challenge, but the referee waved off penalty claims.
- In the second half, at 15 minutes, Lucero earned a yellow card after a blocked cross.
- At 24 minutes, objects hit the pitch, triggering the stoppage and subsequent invasion.
What lies ahead
The suspension leaves Group E up in the air. Atlético Bucaramanga leads with four points, followed by Colo-Colo with two. Fortaleza, with just one point, needs strong results to avoid an early exit. Conmebol will likely announce the game’s fate soon, ranging from rescheduling to penalizing Colo-Colo.
For fans, the incident underscores the fine line between passion and chaos. The Libertadores thrives on intensity but demands accountability to prevent tragedies. The deaths and invasion highlight the urgency for stricter stadium security measures.
Fortaleza now shifts focus to Brazil’s domestic league while awaiting clarity. Colo-Colo grapples with the fallout, both on and off the pitch. A match meant to showcase ambition ended as a grim chapter in the tournament’s story.
O Fortaleza informa que todos os atletas, diretores, comissão e staff estão bem e seguros após a invasão de alguns torcedores do Colo-Colo em campo, no Estádio Monumental David Arellano, em Santiago. #FortalezaEC
— Fortaleza Esporte Clube 🦁 (@FortalezaEC) April 11, 2025
🕐 2T Partida paralisada.🦁
⚽ 0-0 | #COLXFOR#VamosFortaleza #Libertadores
— Fortaleza Esporte Clube 🦁 (@FortalezaEC) April 11, 2025
⚠️ Duas pessoas morreram durante a entrada para o jogo para Colo-Colo x Fortaleza, pela Libertadores. A confusão teria acontecido após a tentativa de invasão dos torcedores ao estádio. O jogo foi paralisado após parte da torcida entrar no gramado em forma de protesto.
📷 AFP;… pic.twitter.com/3RHY2fg8yz
— ge (@geglobo) April 11, 2025
⚠️ Duas pessoas morreram durante a entrada para o jogo para Colo-Colo x Fortaleza, pela Libertadores. A confusão teria acontecido após a tentativa de invasão dos torcedores ao estádio. O jogo foi paralisado após parte da torcida entrar no gramado em forma de protesto.
📷 AFP;… pic.twitter.com/3RHY2fg8yz
— ge (@geglobo) April 11, 2025
