Junior of Barranquilla are back in the top spot following a convincing
4-1 win over Quindío, while Boyacá Chico drew 1-1 with Deportivo Cali.
Deportes Quindío never stood a chance at Barranquilla’s Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez stadium. Norvey Orozco put the ‘Sharks’ ahead on 20 minutes and Teófilo Gutiérrez made it 2-0 in the 52nd. Emerson Acuña needed the home side’s third in the 70th minute and although John Valencia got one back for Quindío in the 83rd, Gutiérrez had the final say five minutes later, 4-1.
Chicó hosted Deportivo Cali in Tunja and suffered an early blow as Cali’s Armando Carillo opened the score after only seven minutes. To make matters worse, Anthony Tapia was sent off on 30 minutes but Chicó avoided further damage and even earned a point as Charles Monsalvo levelled with ten minutes to go.
Cúcuta Deportivo climed to third place with a 0-1 win at Pereira. The only goal at this match was scored by César Arias with just two minutes left to play in regular time.
Deportes Tolima dropped to fourth position as the side from Ibagué lost 3-1 at América de Cali. The Red Devils scored their opener through Wilmer Parra within two minutes. Rodrigo Marangoni equalised in the 33rd but Gustavo Ramos made it 2-1 a few minutes later. Ramos would also net the third and final home goal in minute 67.
Envigado were held to a 1-1 draw by Once Caldas, but both sides remain in the top eight. Envigado’s Rodrigo Saráz put his side ahead on 27 minutes but Jorge Casanova got Caldas a crucial equaliser with five minutes to go.
The Bogotá classic between La Equidad and Millonarios had the best saved for last. Argentinian Diego Cochas put the green hosts in the lead from the penalty spot with just three minutes to go. But it wasn’t enough for La Equidad to take the win as Carmelo Valencia levelled in added time.
Huila had no particular difficulties with Real Cartagena, who started their season so well but are no long on course for a top eight classification. Juan Valencia (2) and Victor Guaza scored the for home side, Carlos Palomino did so for the guests.
Santa Fé brought a little bit of light to their dark season with a 1-0 win over Deportivo Pasto. The only goal at El Campín stadium in Bogotá was scored by Amu Arrechea just before the break.
The Medellín classic between Independiente and Nacional featured two teams trying to get away from the bottom spot. DIM had a good start at Ayron Del Valle put them ahead after 19 minutes but Nacional turned things around through Segundo Ibarbo (44th) and Jairo Palomino (66th).
With one match to go, Junior, Chicó, Cúcuta, Tolima and Envigado are certain of a spot in the next round. The remaining three spots are to be divided between Cali, La Equidad, Once Caldas, Quindío, América, Pereira and Huila.