Independiente Medellin looks to capitalize on their early lead in the semifinals of the Liga Postobon as the last-eight stage draws to a close this weekend.
Deportes Tolima sit atop group A after beating Deportivo Pasto 3-0 at home.
Second place is now occupied by Junior after they defended their home turf, topping Millionarios 2-1.
Deportivo fell to third while the Bogota-based Millionarios currently dwell in fourth place with three games to play.
Independiente Medellin are the current leaders of group B after knocking off Atletico Nacional 1-0 thanks to a last minute goal from attacker German Cano. The currently undefeated Independiente is sitting pretty after the big road win.
Both Atletico Nacional and La Equidad have three points apiece with one win and one loss. Itagui, meanwhile, are in fourth place with just one point after a 1-0 loss at home to La Equidad and a draw with Medellin.
Medellin has not lost a match out of their last five. Their victory over Atletico Nacional prompted Atletico’s coach, Juan Osorio, to congratulate the Medellin giants on their win.
“I would like to congratulate Hernan, his coaching staff and the Independiente Medellin team on their victory,” said Osario.
Atletico’s suprise loss snapped a four-game win streak. Osorio took the blame claiming that “the mistake [was his] in the selection of players.” His comment was related to the risky selection of striker John Pajoy in his first game back after being sidelined for over a month due to a hamstring injury.
The questionable fitness of Pajoy, who was substituted after 46 minutes, seemed to throw off the Atletico attack, contributing to their goalless performance.
Atletico Nacional will have to up their game as they cannot sustain another loss to either Itagui or Independiente.
The Millionarios will be looking to come out on top against Deportes Tolima and pull off a three-game win streak which would put them in a good position to qualify for the final four.
With only 14 of the 32 matches finished and the upsets we’ve already seen, it’s still anybody’s game.
