Deportes Tolima remain on top of the Colombian Liga Postobon despite losing 1-0 at Independiente Medellin, as nearest rivals Santa Fe and Once Caldas held each other to a 1-1 draw.
A goal from John Hernandez in the 48th minute was enough for Medellin to make a difference in Friday’s match with leaders Tolima, a result that gave both Santa Fe and Once Caldas a chance to take the top position.
The second and third placed teams faced each other in Bogota on Sunday, with Once Caldas taking the lead through Jaime Castrillon in the ninth minute.
Santa Fe needed until five minutes before the end to find the equaliser, with Nestor Salazar beating the opposing goalkeeper for 1-1.
Tolima are now level on points with Santa Fe, but do have a better goal record. Once Caldas remain at two points from the top.
In the battle for eighth place, none of the teams involved managed a win in this week’s action.
Deportivo Cali continue to occupy the final spot that gives access to the next round, despite drawing 2-2 at Envigado. The home side even took the lead twice, with goals from Neider Morantes and Carlos Alvarez, but Cali leveled on both occasions with Fabian Castillo and Cristian Lasso finding the net.
Cucuta Deportivo drew 0-0 at America de Cali but both climb a spot as Millonarios lost 2-0 at La Equidad on Saturday. Sherman Cardenas and Dawlin Leudo provided the goals in that match.
Tolima, Santa Fe, Once Caldas, Atletico Nacional and Atletico Huila are certain of a spot in the next round. Huila joined the other four following a convincing 4-0 win over Boyaca Chico on Saturday.
La Equidad, Deportes Quindio and Deportivo Cali are on course for the next round as well, but not quite certain of qualification yet. Cali in particular, are still under threat from several other teams.
Those teams are Cucuta, America, Millonarios and Medellin, the latter being only two points away from the top eight. Even 13th-placed Boyaca still have a small chance of qualifying.
Junior, Real Cartagena, Cortulua, Envigado and Deportivo Pereira are all out of contention.