The final of Colombia’s Copa Mustang II begins with its first leg on
Wednesday, to conclude with the second leg four days later. The first
game is to be played in Medellín, where DIM hope to build an advantage
over América de Cali.
These two sides have been practically equal throughout the season. The regular competition ended with América in fourth place and Medellín in fifth, both having collected a total amount of 29 points.
The group phase once again showed how close these two teams are, as both managed to earn 11 points from the six games played. Both lost one match, but only when they had already qualified for the final.
If anything should make a difference between these two clubs, it would be recent history. Of the six last direct encounters, América won five. One match ended in a draw. The two most recently met in August this year, resulting in a 1-0 win to América thanks to an 81st-minute goal from Ramos.
For DIM’s most recent victory over América, one would have to go back more than three years.
América also reached the final of the Copa Mustang 1, earlier this year, but lost to Boyaca Chicó. The Caleños last won a tournament in 2002, beating Atlético Nacional in the final. If América manage to win this time around, they would move into joint first place on the all-time ranking. Currently, the ‘red devils’ have 12 championships, and only Millonarios are ahead with 13.
Independiente Medellín last won a tournament in 2004, interestingly also with Nacional as victims in the final.
Bookmakers are giving Medellín the best chances for their home match on Wednesday, and pressure will certainly be on them to make a difference as Cali could well be the stronger side in the second leg.
The first leg of the final will be played at Medellín’s Atanasio Girardot stadium at 8pm local time.
