Tolima forged a four-point lead at the top, after Huila were held to a goalless draw by La Equidad, while Cucuta registered their third win of the season to tighten things up at the bottom.
Friday night took fourth-placed La Equidad to third-placed Huila, where a goalless draw moved both teams up one place. The result provided Tolima the opportunity to open up a lead at the top, which they duly exploited with a last-gasp 2-1 victory away to Junior on Saturday evening. Veteran midfielder Giovanni Hernandez had given Junior the lead after half an hour, but Christian Marrugo hit back for Tolima five minutes later. The game looked set for a draw, until young Paraguayan striker Robin Ramirez netted his eigth goal of the season in the 91st minute to claim breathing space at the top for his team. All eyes will now be on Wednesday’s game in Bogota, where a home win for Santa Fe against Atletico Nacional would leave them just a point behind the leaders.
Earlier on Saturday, Jhon Cordoba’s first half goal against Real Cartagena was enough to earn victory for Envigado and overturn a nine-game winless streak, leading them back into the top eight at the expense of 2011 champions Junior. Once Caldas continued their dreadful Apertura campaign with a 1-0 loss away to Patriotas, a result which left them second-bottom when Deportes Quindio beat Itagui Ditaires 2-1 on Saturday evening. Itagui looked to have rescued a draw in the 78th minute thanks to a Samuel Vanegas goal, but two minutes later Hilton Murillo added to Juan Caicedo’s 61st minute opener to snatch victory, meaning Quindio have now taken 11 points from their last five league games.
Independiente Medellin continued their dismal run Sunday, with a 3-0 home loss to Boyaca Chico. A James Castro brace gave Chico a two-goal advantage, before midfielder Juan Perez capped off the win with five minutes left to play. Medellin have now lost four and drawn one of their last five games, having previously gone on a five-game winning streak, with their return to poor form dragging them back toward the bottom.
In Pasto, Deportivo Cali claimed an 87th minute draw, thanks to a goal from 21-year old striker Harold Reina. Deportivo Pasto had taken the lead in the 35th minute through Edwards Jimenez. The draw maintained both teams in the top eight and without a loss in their past five games.
The final game of the weekend saw Cucuta claim a vital three points at home to Bogota giants Millionarios, who had led after nine minutes through Erik Moreno. The fightback began in the 62nd minute when rookie striker Victor Uribe claimed his first goal of the season. Cucuta’s victory came thanks to a 92nd minute penalty, converted by Geovanni Garcia, to send the home fans into raptures and leave them just a point behind 17th placed Once Caldas.
For a full results list and table, look right.
