Unexpected star: how a dog interrupted a football match in colombia

A dog temporarily stole the show from the footballers when, driven by the desire to catch the ball, he rushed onto the pitch during a match played in Colombia

It’s a scenario that keeps repeating itself and it certainly won’t be the last. A football game during the Copa Libertadores was once again halted due to an adorable pitch invasion. This time, a dog has become the star of the match, stealing the spotlight at the Roberto Meléndez Metropolitan Stadium in Barranquilla, Colombia, where Junior de Barranquilla faced off against Universitario de Deportes.

The game was progressing normally into the second half until the 68th minute when the referee’s whistle brought everything to a stop. The cause was clear for all to see: a dog had dashed onto the grass chasing the soccer ball.

The charming canine targeted the ball and approached Junior’s midfielder, Didier Moreno, attempting to snatch it away. Clearly eager to play, the dog was relentless. After a brief tussle, Moreno tried to pass the ball to the goalkeeper, but the dog was quicker.

Seizing “his” ball, the players pondered their next move. The goalkeeper then decided to recover the ball and toss it towards the corner of the field. This clever move allowed sideline staff to capture the enthusiastic intruder.

Needless to say, the intrusion won the hearts of both spectators and social media users. What dogs won’t do to get hold of a ball, the object of desire for almost any four-legged friend. Although such pitch invasions are no longer a novelty, they unexpectedly often end in the best possible way for the animals involved.

A heartwarming example was set by the players of Alebrijes de Oaxaca Fútbol Club. In October 2023, a stray dog wandered onto their field during a game. The team decided to adopt him, and now that dog has become their official mascot.