Independiente Medellin are in sight of qualifying for the next stage of the Colombian soccer Postobon II after they beat Junior 2-1.
Medellin ended a run of six games without a victory as they overcame their high-flying opponents thanks to goals from John Viafara and German Cano.
Viafara opened the scoring in the first half with a shot which came off the crossbar and into the net. Although Junior equalised when Giovanni Hernandez scored from the penalty spot on 50 minutes, Cano grabbed the vital winner with 15 minutes to go.
Medellin’s chances of qualification now lie in their own hands as they currently occupy eight spot by a point. Victory next weekend at Deportes Quindio will see them through regardless of other results.
Meanwhile it was not such good news for Santa Fe as they were eliminated after failing to beat Itagui.
The reigning champions could not break down their already-qualified opponents as the game ended 0-0 and in turn ended Santa Fe’s hope of regaining the title.
Santa Fe player Edwin Cardona said: “What happened leaves us with a bad taste because we were champions three months ago and are now removed.”
One team who did confirm their place was Atletico Nacional following their 2-0 victory over Once Caldas.
Aviles Hurtado and Juan David Valencia scored the goals to secure Nacional’s passage through and take their points tally to 27 this season.
League leaders Millonarios, who had qualified for the latter stage weeks ago, took their points tally to 34 this season – the highest total recorded by the Bogota giants – with a 2-0 victory over Envigado.
Elsewhere Cucuta Deportivo gave themselves a great chance of reaching the last eight with a 1-0 win over Deportes Quindio. The defeat for Quindio leaves them needing a win in the final match to stand any chance of qualification.
The same can be said for Boyaca Chico who surprising lost 1-0 at home to Patriotas Boyaca, a result which sees them slip tenth and two points off the pace.