Colombia soccer’s Postobon II moves into the penultimate round of fixtures this weekend with Independiente Medellin needing to avoid defeat at home to high-flying Junior if they are to have any chance of qualifying for the final stage of the Colombian Primera A.
The Medellin club is currently on a torrid run of six games without a victory, a dramatic slide which has resulted in them falling out of the top eight.
They currently sit two points off the pace and even a draw against second-placed Junior may not be good enough if other results go against them.
Independiente midfielder Sebastian Hernandez is hoping a passionate bumper home crowd can spur his side on to victory and keep alive their dream of making the final stage of the competition.
“When we need a result the atmosphere becomes heavy. We are aware of the current situation and are committed to the team. If we are not defeated, we have a chance,” said Hernandez.
Elsewhere reigning champions Santa Fe go into the weekend knowing only three points would give them any chance of making the final eight.
Two wins in their last three matches has given Santa Fe a sniff of qualifying but they will need to overcome high-flying Itagui in the first fixture on Saturday to keep their quest alive.
Frontman Cristian Borja Martinez is confident his side can overcome Itagui and close the three point gap on the top eight.
“We have a good team and I think we can get three points in Itagui. No mission is easy to complete, but we’ll try,” said Martinez
Atletico Nacional, meanwhile, could clinch qualification with victory at Once Caldas.
The Medellin giants were beaten 1-0 at Junior last weekend but will be confident of keeping their position in the top eight, with a draw possibly even enough to see them through.
Nacional sit two points above Deportivo Quindio in ninth place but the game with Once Caldas will be intense as the home side require a victory to maintain their bid for qualification.
In other important fixtures Boyaca Chico and Deporivo Pasto will be hoping for victories against Patriotas Boyaca and Deportes Tolima respectively which would keep them in the top eight going into the last weekend of fixtures.