The defender spoke after the team’s early classification and expressed his gratitude to the institution and the fans in the midst of the dream for the second star.
Atlético Bucaramanga is living a golden present. The team led by Leonel Álvarez became the first team to secure early qualification to the semifinal quadrangles of the BetPlay II 2025 League, after beating Unión Magdalena 1-0 at the Américo Montanini stadium.
Fáber Gil’s solitary goal, in the 61st minute, after a precise assist from Luciano Pons, was enough to seal a night of euphoria in the Santander capital. The victory left the “leopard” team at the top of the table with 30 points, two more than its pursuer, Junior de Barranquilla, with five dates remaining until the close of the regular phase.
A yellow and green party at Américo Montanini
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From the opening whistle, the atmosphere in the stadium was a party. Thousands of fans dressed in yellow and green to accompany their team on a day that could mark the path to the long-awaited second star.
The team showed defensive solidity, tactical order and character. It was a hard-fought victory, one of those that consolidate processes and strengthen trust.
Carlos Henao, the voice of experience and the heart
After the commitment, Carlos Henao, a reference in the defense and champion with the team in the first half of 2024, spoke in a mixed zone with Fabián Reporta. His words reflected the maturity of a player who has experienced all sides of football in Bucaramanga: from difficult campaigns to title glory.
“Happy with the work being done, that was what we wanted today: to get the three points that bring us closer to qualifying. A very big step is taken, but we haven’t achieved anything yet; we have to keep working”said the defender.
With serenity and humility, Henao emphasized the group’s objectives:
“The first thing is to enter the eight and the second is reclassification. In these remaining games we are going to look for the highest possible score to be at the top in both tables.”
The value of the fans and mental strength
Henao also had words of gratitude for the thousands of fans who filled the Américo Montanini stadium:
“Thank God we get a clean sheet again and we can win the game. We have to give this joy to the fans, thank them for their support because they filled the stadium, and that is what we want them to do every game here.”
The defender recalled with emotion the difficult moments he experienced in the past, especially that night in Bello Horizonte, when fate was cruel from the penalty spot.
“This is football, sometimes it gives you, other times it takes it away. The important thing is not to give up, to continue working day by day. Winning or losing, the next day it comes back and the sun rises,” he reflected.
“Bucaramanga has given me everything”
Perhaps the most heartfelt phrase of the interview was the one that best summarizes the bond between player and club:
“Bucaramanga in recent years has given me everything, as a footballer and as a person. I only have gratitude for the institution and the affection of the fans. I want to finish here, leave my name written in this great institution and bring a lot of joy to the city.”
For Henao, December’s dream is clear, but always with his feet on the ground:
“Yes, that’s the idea. We’re going step by step. Today we took a very big step, but we have to keep working.”
Next challenge: Millionaires in El Campín
With classification assured, Bucaramanga now focuses on its next challenge: visiting Millonarios this Sunday, October 19 at 8:30 pm in El Campín.
It will be a demanding test to measure the mettle of a team that is not content with qualifying, but rather aims to close the year touching glory once again.
Bucaramanga excites
With a solid group, a coach who transmits character and leaders like Carlos Henao who embody the love for the shirt, the entire city allows itself to dream of December… and with a new star in the leopard sky.
