Colombian teams have had the week off due to international games, but
action continues this weekend as Deportivo Cali try to defend their top
spot.
Three matches are to be played on Saturday, starting with the clash between Deportes Quindío and second-placed Boyacá Chicó. These two sides met only two weeks ago, and then held each other to a 2-2 draw in Tunja. Quindío will be looking for a good result against Chicó, as a win would probably allow them to enter the top eight.
Later on Saturday, Junior host Santa Fé in Barranquilla. Both these sides are currently in the top eight and aim to apply more pressure on the leaders. Junior have done well in recent matches with Santa Fé, having beaten the Bogotá side three consecutive times. Being the home side, odds are certainly in favor of the ‘Sharks’.
In the last match of the day, troubled Atlético Nacional host Once Caldas at Medellín’s Atanasio Girardot stadium. Nacional are still in last place and don’t seem to be able to win a match. However, Once Caldas always experiences difficulties when facing Nacional in Medellín. If Nacional manage to keep up that effort, they may be able to earn a couple of points and leave the last spot.
Millionarios, currently in 16th position, certainly have to start winning their matches if they want to reach the final phase. The home match with leaders Deportivo Cali forms a good challenge. Cali won the last two games with Millonarios in Bogotá and will look to do so again. Their quality and Millos’ home advantage could well result in a draw.
Tolima get in action on Sunday as well, hosting Real Cartagena in the city of Ibagué. These two sides haven’t faced since 2007, when Cartagena earned a 1-0 win at home. It was not enough for them to retain their position in Colombia’s top flight though. Two years later, bookmakers clearly favor Tolima to take three points from this game but a draw does not seem unlikely either.
Elsewhere in the capital city, La Equidad host Independiente Medellín what is most likely to end in a home victory. However, DIM have done well versus La Equidad in recent games with three consecutive wins.
América de Cali, defending champions, hope to close on the top eight with a win over Envigado. History certainly is in favor of the red devils, who haven’t lost to Envigado since 2003. But it has to be said that América’s form hasn’t been impressive lately, while Envigado at least managed to win the occasional match. Although the home side should be able to earn three points on Sunday, no gifts will be handed out.
In other matches on Sunday, Cúcuta Deportivo host Deportivo Pasto while Atlético Huila face a tough task at Deportivo Pereira.
