This weekend’s round in the Colombian Copa Mustang will determine which
teams are to advance to the next stage and which clubs will have to
begin preparing for next season.
Five clubs are already certain of advancing with Junior, Boyacá Chicó, Cúcuta Deportivo, Deportes Tolima and Envigado already having secured a spot. Another seven teams still have a chance. Some of these are likely to make it while others depend mostly on theory.
Of the teams that aren’t certain of a second round berth, Deportivo Cali have the best chance. Cali host Santa Fé, who have been having a particularly bad season and aren’t very likely to cause an upset at Pascual Guerrero stadium.
La Equidad, currently in seventh place, travel to face Cúcuta Deportivo and need a draw to advance to the next round. History is in favor as La Equidad haven’t lost to Cúcuta in six matches.
In the current standings, Once Caldas are on course to advance but the Manizales side won’t want to drop any points against last-placed Independiente Medellín. DIM have been in terrible shape lately and may just lack the inspiration to cause any real trouble.
Deportes Quindío are the first team on the wrong side of the red line and depend on Once Caldas to draw or lose. Quindío host Atlético Huila themselves and do have a decent chance of earning three points from this game.
América de Cali’s chances of advancing are slim, but the defending champions do still have an opportunity if both Quindío and Caldas fail to win. América travel to face Millonarios in Bogotá, and are favored to at least win this match. Either way, destiny is not in their hands.
Deportivo Pereira and Real Cartagena are the last two teams that, in theory, could still make their way to the next round. Pereira play away to struggling Nacional while Cartagena host Boyacá Chicó, who are already through.
Deportes Tolima host Junior in Saturday’s only game, one that could decide which team is to finish the regular season in first place. On Sunday, Deportivo Pasto host Envigado FC. Pasto are out of contention while Envigado are certain of featuring in the second round.