Atletico Nacional failed to take advantage of the chance to move into second place in the Colombian Copa Mustang, being held to a goalless draw by Cartagena.
Cartagena could have surpassed Atletico Huila and Deportivo Pasto to leave only local rivals Independiente Medellin ahead, but forgot to make a difference in the home match with Cartagena. The latter may still hope for a spot in the next round after this result, as they are currently in 11th place at just two points from the top eight.
Atletico Junior weren’t any more successful against Pereira, as their match had a 1-1 draw as result. Carlos Bacca did put the ‘Sharks’ ahead in the sixth minute, but Mario Giménez equalised in the 87th.
Tolima earned a small win over Envigado with a goal from Rodrigo Marangoni from the penalty spot in the 80th minute. At this point, Christian Marrugo of Tolima and Juan Leal of Envigado had already been sent off.
Deportivo Cali crashed to a 2-1 defeat at reigning champions Once Caldas. Juan Ramos and Johan Fano gave the hosts a comfortable lead in the first half, and a second-half goal from Duvier Riascos wasn’t enough for Cali to fight back.
Cucuta Deportivo were the better side in the match with Boyaca Chico. Luis Narvaez scored the opening goal in the 17th minute, from the penalty spot, and Cesar Arias doubled the advantage in the 34th, 2-0.
America and La Equidad held each other to a 1-1 draw in Cali. Pedro Tavima scored for the hosts, Herly Alcazar did so for the guests.
Based on the current standings, Medellin, Huila, Pasto, Nacional, Junior, Tolima, Pereira and Santa Fe are on course for a spot in the group phase.
