Atletico Nacional’s chances of making it to the next round of the Liga Postobon have improved following a home win over Independiente Medellin in Sunday’s city derby.
It was ‘classics week’ in Colombia with many teams facing their arch rivals.
The action began on Friday with Deportes Tolima beating Atletico Huila 3-0 in Ibague. All goals were scored in the first half with Wilder Medina finding the net twice and Jorge Perlaza once. Thanks to this result, Tolima are back in second place while Huila have to settle for third.
In the day’s other match, Deportes Quindio suffered a 2-1 defeat at Cortulua and as such drop to fifth position.
The Bogota classic took place on Saturday as Millonarios received leaders Santa Fe in a match that ended goalless. Millonarios did have a good chance to break the deadlock late on but former Santa Fe player Yovanny Arrechea had his spot kick saved by keeper Camilo Vargas. Santa Fe had both Jhonnier Gonzalez and Daniel Torres sent off in the final minutes.
Cucuta Deportivo finished the week in fourth place after being held to a 1-1 draw at last-placed Envigado. Diego Peralta did put Cucuta ahead in the 41st minute but Juan Quintero equalised in the 59th.
Saturday’s late game had Real Cartagena take on Junior in the clash of the coast. Luis Iriarte handed the home side a 17th-minute lead but Junior would limit the damage as Victor Cortes restored the balance in the 77th. The result leaves the two sides in tenth and ninth place respectively.
On Sunday, Atletico Nacional jumped to sixth place after beating local rivals Medellin 1-0. The only goal of the match came after 57 minutes when the unfortunate Hernan Pertuz directed the ball past his own goalkeeper. Jair Iglesias of Nacional was sent off in the 75th minute but his teammates successfully defended the lead in the remainder of the match.
Deportivo Cali moved into eighth position thanks to a 1-2 win at America de Cali, who in turn lose touch with the top eight. America did take the lead through Edwin Del Castillo in the 28th minute but goals from Jonathan Alvarez in the 47th and 87th minute led Deportivo to victory.
In the day’s other matches, La Equidad drew 1-1 with Boyaca Chico while the match between Deportivo Pereira and Once Caldas ended without goals.
Currently on course for a spot in the next round are Santa Fe, Tolima, Huila, Cucuta, Quindio, Nacional, La Equidad and Deportivo Cali.