Atletico Nacional, Envigado and Millonarios are the latest teams to be certain of a spot in the play-offs of the Colombian Liga Postobon.
League leaders Once Caldas had already secured qualification, but this did not stop them from earning a 1-0 win at Itagüi Ditaires on Saturday. The only goal of the match was scored by Wilson Mena, in the very first minute.
Second-placed Deportes Tolima made no mistakes in a home match against La Equidad, beating the Bogota side 2-0 in Ibague. Roberto Gamarra scored the opening goal in the 23rd minute, and Christian Marrugo doubled the gap in the 72nd.
Atletico Nacional earned a 2-0 win at Deportivo Pereira and are certain of a spot in the next round. Carlos Renteria provided both goals, scoring one in each half.
Envigado were held to a 3-3 draw at Deportes Quindio, a result that cost them one or two spots while still good enough to secure qualification. Envigado were in fact 3-0 ahead after goals from Neider Morantes, Armando Carillo and Eder Muniver.
But Quindio delivered a stunning comeback as Juan Caicedo (2) and Kevin Benitez found the target for a 3-3 draw. The draw has Quindio finish the week in eighth place, just one point ahead of Itagüi.
Millonarios faced Independiente Santa Fe in the Bogota derby meanwhile, with Santa Fe taking the lead through Oscar Rodas in the 45th minute.
But the hosts, despite losing Edison Toloza through a red card in the 85th minute, never gave up and netted the equaliser through Rafael Robayo in the final minute. Thanks to the point earned from this draw, Millonarios are the latest team to reserve a spot in the play-offs.
Boyaca Chico joined the top eight following a 3-0 win over Atletico Huila in Tunja. All goals were scored in the second half, with Luis Mena (2) and Yhonny Ramirez finding the target.
In the week’s remaining games, Cucuta Deportivo beat Medellin 3-2, Real Cartagena won 3-0 at home against America de Cali, and Deportivo Cali earned a 1-0 win over Junior.
Ahead of the final round of games in the regular season, Once Caldas, Tolima, Nacional, Envigado and Millonarios are the teams that are certain of featuring in the quarter finals.
La Equidad, Boyaca Chico and Quindio are also in the top eight, but could still drop out on the final day. Other clubs that are still in contention are Itagüi, America de Cali, Deportivo Cali, Cucuta Deportivo and Real Cartagena.