Santa Fe vs. River Plate: Score, Reaction from 2016 Recopa Sudamericana Leg 1

In the quest to find the elite team in South America, River Plate and Santa Fe battled to a 0-0 draw during Thursday night's first leg of the Recopa Sudamericana at the Estadio El Campin in Bogota, Colombia.

The Colombians won the Copa Sudamericana last season, while Argentine giants River Plate took the Copa Libertadores to set up the clash.

In a game that was bogged down in midfield early, the hosts started off better in the first half, possessing 53 percent of the possession while firing five shots, though only two of them went on goal, matching the number of shots River Plate was able to record in the first 45 minutes.

The second half didn't provide much more in terms of attacking chances. The biggest moment came in the 66th minute, when Santa Fe defender Horacio Salaberry's free kick from outside the box narrowly whizzed past the right post.

While there were no goals, there were plenty of fouls, as tensions ran high on the big stage. In total, the teams combined for 52 fouls and four yellow cards, though none led to any ejections. 

Inaldo Perez/Associated Press

With a goalless scoreline heading back to Argentina for the second leg, each team should feel confident going into the final 90 minutes on Aug. 25. 

River Plate will get the opportunity to feed off a raucous home crowd at the Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti in Buenos Aires. But Santa Fe is in position to poach a single tally in Argentina and win the South American crown based on away goals.

Expect the Colombian side to play a defensive, if not tentative, match as it tries to absorb River Plate's pressure and take the crowd out of the contest. 

That doesn't mean Santa Fe won't be searching for the winner or just playing for penalties, though. A defensive style is bound to open up counterattacking chances to shock the home side, as River Plate will likely throw more at the Colombians the longer the home side goes without a goal. 

However, an early River Plate goal would throw a wrench in that strategy and likely deliver the Argentines a second Recopa Sudamericana trophy. If Santa Fe's defense stays resolute and the offense finds a way to grab just one goal, though, the Colombians could be celebrating their first title. 

Stats courtesy of ESPN FC.