The first teams could already secure their spot in the semi final in this weekend’s Liga Postobon action.
Leaders Deportes Tolima play a home game with troubled Millonarios on Sunday and a win would certainly lead the Ibague outfit to the next stage.
Tolima are highly favored to win this game, based on their much better form but also on the two most recent encounters with Millonarios. In February 2009, Tolima beat the Bogota side 3-1 at home and the ‘Pijaos’ went on to win 0-2 when the two teams met again in July.
Second-placed Independiente Medellin play on Saturday and receive Atletico Huila, who are no longer in contention for a semi final spot and may be suffering from motivation issues.
Medellin have not been able to win any of their last three games however and pressure will start to mount on the defending champions if this match doesn’t end in victory.
Santa Fe currently occupy third place and play a home game with Boyaca Chico, who themselves have no chance of making it to the next round.
Fourth-placed Junior face the toughest task of the top teams, playing away to Real Cartagena in a coastal derby. Cartagena started well this season and even spent several weeks in first place, but have since dropped down the ranks and are no longer realistic candidates for a spot in the semi finals. Nevertheless, a derby is always enough reason to get motivated.
La Equidad are in fifth place but their recent shape looks promising. Any slip-up from one of the teams ahead could well allow the Bogota side to take advantage. A difficult task awaits them however, receiving seventh-placed Atletico Nacional at El Techo stadium.
Full schedule:
Saturday
4:00 Envigado – Quindio
4:00 Pereira – Deportivo Cali
6:20 La Equidad – Nacional
8:30 Medellin – Huila
Sunday
3:30 America – Once Caldas
3:30 Cortulua – Cucuta
3:30 Cartagena – Junior
3:30 Tolima – Millonarios
5:45 Santa Fe – Boyaca Chico
