The second round of matches in the Liga Postobon kicks off on Friday as Once Caldas host Envigado in Manizales. The biggest clash of the week is the Medellin derby between Nacional and Independiente.
In focus: Nacional versus Medellin
Matches between Medellin’s two biggest teams almost always guarantee excitement, and it should be no different this time around. Neither team had the start they wanted this season, as Nacional lost to Millonarios while DIM were held to a draw by Santa Fe, leaving both with much to fight for in Sunday’s clash.
The last time these two teams met was in November last year, which resulted in a goalless draw. The two previous encounters both ended in DIM victories.
Kick-off for this game is scheduled for 3:30 PM local time at Medellin’s Atanasio Girardot stadium.
Troubled champions
Once Caldas won the Copa Mustang I in 2009, but failed to convince in the closing tournament, and began 2010 with a 4-3 defeat at Real Cartagena. As such, the Manizales side hope for a better result from their home match with Envigado, who beat Cucuta Deportivo in their season opener.
On Saturday, Millonarios of Bogota face their second challenge in a row. After beating Nacional at home last week, the “Embassadors” now play away to Deportivo Cali, who will want to make up for their 3-1 defeat by Tolima in their first match of the season.
Later that night, Cucuta Deportivo host Deportivo Pereira in the north-east of the country.
Action then continues the next day, and the main clash on Sunday, apart from the Medellin derby, will be the clash between Copa Colombia champions Santa Fe of Bogota and America of Cali. Interestingly, seven of the last encounters involving these two teams ended in home victories and the other two finished undecided.
Other games on Sunday see Deportes Quindio host Deportes Tolima, Junior receive La Equidad three days after being eliminated from the Copa Libertadores, Boyaca Chico and Real Cartagena hoping to add a second win in Tunja, and newly promoted Cortulua aiming to earn their first points of the season at Atletico Huila.