Colombia’s Liga Postobon entered into its semifinal group stage this weekend with just eight teams left competing for the title.
The top-eight teams will be divided into two groups and they will then play home and away games to determine who will advance to the finals.
Of the weekends opening fixtures, the Group A clash between Millonarios and Junior stands out as the most intriguing.
Both teams were always challenging for top spot during the regular season and they are considered two of the favorites to take the title.
Junior playmaker Giovanni Hernandez knows how important it for his side to get off to a good start against the Bogota giants, especially in front of their home supporters.
“Winning the first game is crucial…The support of the fans will help us a lot,” he said.
The other match to follow in Group A is when Deportes Tolima travel to Deportivo Pasto in a game both sides feel they need to win if they are to stand a chance of moving on to the next round.
Meanwhile in Group B, Independiente Medellin face a tough trip to Itagui.
DIM will be riding a wave of confidence after managing to scrape into the final eight on the last day of the regular season. Nevertheless, coach Hernan Dario Gomez wants his players to “keep their feet on the ground” during Saturday’s clash.
“We’re going to work hard try to strengthen what we do well and improve on what we are missing. We will take it step by step,” said Gomez.
DIM’s Medellin neighbors start their semifinal campaign against La Equidad on Saturday after winning their last three games in the regular season.
Nacional will be one of the favorites to progress out of Group B as they have proved difficult to beat this season with just two league defeats out of their last 18 fixtures.
