It was all square at the top of the Liga Postobon after week 8 as Atletico Huila and Deportes Tolima both drew, while Atletico Nacional somewhat saved face with a late equalizer against Deportes Quindio, and Bogota’s Millonarios F.C. came out on top against tricky Itagui.
Table-toppers Huila were held 1-1 away from home in their difficult encounter at third placed Envigado. Huila took control of the game with a goal just before the end of the first period by Panamian midfielder Alejandro Velez. But the lead did not last long as 21-year-old midfielder Yulian Mejia equalized soon after the break to put the team from Medellin level.
Tolima’s three game winning streak came to an end against 15th-placed Deportivo Cali. Tolima — equal top of the league on points — got off to a dream start with a goal after two minutes by Danovis Banguera. Cali drew level after 20 minutes with a strike by defender Luis Payares. Tolima are still unbeaten in eight games in all competitions.
Nacional’s poor league form continued with a 2-2 draw away to Quindio, who are currently sitting rock bottom. The home team, who are yet to win this season, looked good early on but were not rewarded for their efforts. Nacional went ahead with a goal after 21 minutes by Argentine defender Christian Tula. Two goals in three minutes saw Quindio take a surprise lead after the break. The team from Medellin were then fortunate to come away with any points, their pride only saved by an 88th minute strike by top-scorer Dorlan Pabon, assisted by Tula.
Millonarios notched up their first home win of the season against a solid Itagui side who are currently sitting in fifth place. Millonarios had the better of a slow first half, but attackers Wilberto Cosme and Erik Moreno were continually frustrated. Javier Alvarez’s team talk appeared to work wonders as the team from Bogota came out strongly after the break, Cosme scoring ten minutes into the second half. The reaction from Itagui was unimpressive, and Millionarios held on to take all three points — which now puts them tenth in the table, equal on points with Nacional and Real Cartagena.
Game week 8 results
Fri 16/03/12
Junior 3 – 1 Boyaca Chico
Sat 17/03/12
Cucuta Deportivo 0 – 1 Real Cartagena
Patriotas 0 – 0 Santa Fe
Deportes Quindio 2 – 2 Atletico Nacional
Medellin 2 – 1 Once Caldas
Sun 18/03/12
Deportes Tolima 1 – 1 Deportivo Cali
Deportivo Pasto 3 – 1 La Equidad
Envigado 1 – 1 Atletico Huila
Millonarios 1 – 0 Itagui Ditaires