Once Caldas added yet another win to their account on Sunday, beating Atletico Nacional 3-1 to extend their lead in the Colombian Liga Postobon.
While some of the country’s top players were unavailable as they traveled to Spain to represent the national team against Ecuador, the eighth round of the Liga Postobon took place as scheduled.
The action began on Saturday, as newly promoted Itagüi Ditaires held Santa Fe to a 2-2 draw. Jorge Aguirre put Itagüi ahead in the first half but the visitors turned things around through German Centurion (58th) and Leicer Preciado (65th). The hosts had the final say though as an own goal from Jhonier Gonzalez set the score to 2-2 with six minutes left to play.
Deportes Tolima traveled to face Deportivo Cali, and left Colombia’s third city with a 2-0 win in the pocket. Wilder Medina opened the scoring after 21 minutes, and Wilmer Parra doubled the advantage shortly before the hour.
In the day’s remaining game, Atletio Junior and America de Cali held each other to a 1-1 draw, a result that helps neither team at this point.
On Sunday, leaders Once Caldas earned their seventh win of the season at home against Nacional. Goals from Felix Micolta and Wason Renteria handed the Manizales outfit a 2-0 lead before Jair Iglesias pulled one back in the 73rd minute, but Luis Nuñez restored the two-goal gap six minutes later.
Bogota‘s Millonarios jumped to fourth place following a convincing 3-0 win over Real Cartagena. The hosts had a 2-0 lead at half time with goals from Alejandro Cichero and Jefferson Angulo. Wilson Carpintero added a third goal in the dying seconds of the match.
Envigado were held to a 1-1 draw at Cucuta Deportivo but nevertheless remained in sixth place. Jorge Serna opened the scoring for Envigado on the hour mark, but Cucuta’s Diego Espinel leveled 16 minutes later.
Deportes Quindio suffered a 2-1 defeat at Boyaca Chico meanwhile, and as such drop to seventh place. Goals from Pedro Pino and John Jairo Charria handed the Tunja side a 2-0 advantage, and Kevin Benitez’ goal for 2-1 in the 79th minute came too late for the visiting side.
La Equidad visited Atletico Huila in Neiva and took the lead after 14 minutes as Jhony Cano directed the ball past the opposing goalkeeper. But the hosts did not accept defeat and equalised through Erwin Carillo on the half hour mark.
In Sunday’s remaining game, Independiente Medellin drew 2-2 at Deportivo Pereira.
With almost half of the regular season played, things are starting to shape up. Currently on course for a spot in the next round are Once Caldas, Tolima, Nacional, Millonarios, Itagüi, Envigado, Quindio and La Equidad.