Round 16 of the Colombian Primera A sees two of the country’s top soccer teams meet as Junior take on Atletico Nacional in Barranquilla.
The two teams have almost the exact same record so far this season with Junior just edging ahead in the table as they have won one more game than their opponents.
Both have lost just once this season but have drawn their last three games which suggests that it will be a tight encounter on Saturday evening.
Junior captain Giovanni Hernandez admitted the game takes on a huge importance and it is one his side is determined not to lose.
“These are the games that people do not want to lose,” said Hernandez, “We all want to play. It is going to be a nice match for the fans.”
Meanwhile league leaders Millonarios play in the penultimate fixture on Sunday when they travel to Deportivo Pasto.
The Bogota giants are three points clear of Itagui in second-place and will be riding a wave of confidence after their surprising 3-0 Copa South America victory over Palmeires in the week.
Their opponents will not be taken lightly, however, as they are currently on an unbeaten run of four league matches.
Itagui will be looking to take advantage of any slip by Millonarios when they travel to Patriotas Boyaca on Saturday.
A 1-1 draw with Envigado last time out extended Itagui’s unbeaten run to 11 games as they continue to surprise a lot of people this season.
In the first fixture of the weekend fourth-placed La Equidad entertain Once Caldas knowing that victory would take them up to second, albeit until the others kick off.
Elsewhere Independiente Medellin take on Cucuta Deportivo on Sunday while reigning champions Santa Fe clash with Deportivo Cali.
