This weekend’s top clash in the Colombian Liga Postobon has third-placed Independiente Medellin host second-placed Junior in a match that could well define the rest of the season for both clubs.
As only four teams advance to the next stage at the end of this regular reason, it is even more important than usual for Medellin and Junior to beat their nearest rivals.
Medellin have a tough week, as the defending champions already held leaders Cartagena to a 1-1 draw on Wednesday, just three days before their match with Junior.
Junior themselves have won their last two games, most recently a 1-2 victory at Deportes Quindio on Wednesday.
Medellin, who are favored to win at Atanasio Giradot stadium, also beat Junior 1-2 when the two teams last met three months ago.
On Sunday, leaders Cartagena aim to return to winning ways against Envigado. The coastal team is the only side to be without a single defeat after seven games, and appear to be cruising to the next phase as the gap with number five is already five points.
That number five however, happens to be Envigado who hope to enter the top four this week.
Deportivo Pereira, the last team in the top four, travel to face newly promoted Cortulua and hope to make it three league wins in a row after beating Santa Fe and America in their last two. Cortulua’s shape has gone down after a good start, as the side lost their last two matches.
Full schedule
March 6
Santa Fe – Deportes Tolima
Medellin – Junior
Once Caldas – Cali
March 7
Cucuta – Quindio
Chico – Nacional
America – La Equidad
Cortulua – Pereira
Real Cartagena – Envigado
Huila – Millonarios