On day six of the Colombian Copa Mustang 1, Junior Barranquilla hope to
defend their lead while Atlético Nacional’s only wish is to finally
collect their first points of the year.
The round in fact started on Thursday, with the local derby between Envigado and Medellín. The hosts won 2-1 thanks to goals from Freddy Grisales and Carlos Alvarez, while only Jackson Martínez could do something back for the troubled visiting side.
Leaders Junior won’t be facing an easy task, as the Barranquilla outfit travel to face Deportivo Cali. Their last visit to Deportivo earned them a 2-1 defeat, and a better performance will be needed if the ‘Costeños’ want to keep their lead.
Number two, La Equidad, make the relatively short trip to Tunja to meet with third-placed Boyacá Chico, a match in which the top spot could well be at stake. Last season, La Equidad showed to be capable of winning in Tunja, then recording a 0-1 victory.
In Bogotá, Santa Fé host Deportivo Pereira who have yet to earn their first away win of the season. Santa Fé have done well in recent games and are considered favorites to take three points at El Campín.
Not many would have thought that after five games, Real Cartagena would be in sixth position and América de Cali in 11th. In recent years, América haven’t been able to win in Cartagena, and the Red Devils aren’t expected to easily win this year’s clash either. A draw or even a home win is very possible.
Deportes Quindío and Deportivo Pasto, currently seventh and eighth in the league, would both advance to the next stage if things were to remain this way. Both sides have managed to impress in recent games, and Sunday’s clash could well be vital for the rest of the season. Pasto’s home advantage might just make the difference.
Atlético Huila have shown an up-and-down performance so far this season, and hope to achieve some consistency when they host Cúcuta Deportivo this weekend. Both sides lost their last game and it is hard to predict which team is to take the points this time around. The recent past showed that meetings between these two sides often ended in home wins or draws.
Following last week’s win over Nacional, Tolima should have gained some confidence to face Once Caldas in Manizales. The Ibagué outfit haven’t done so well away from home, but Caldas haven’t won a single match at their own stadium. However, the last two games between these sides, both played in Manizales, were both won by Once.
One of the most interesting matches this week is the clash between two troubled sides, Nacional and Millonarios. While the latter at least managed a league win last week, Nacional haven’t been able to earn a single point so far. As Millonarios have had a shakey start themselves, Nacional might be able to break the spell when the two face on Sunday.
