After Atlético Nacional was agonizingly crowned champion of the Torneo Apertura of the Colombian league last Sunday in an exciting final against Deportes Tolima, this weekend the Torneo Finalización begins with great matches.
The champion will begin the defense of its title at home against Cortuluá; who this semester will be fighting not to be relegated after being promoted last December.
The runner-up, who is also playing the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores against Flamengo, will start its journey against Deportivo Independiente de Medellín, one of the hosts in the last tournament and who changed coach in search of a new star.
Millonarios, who last semester was the best in the first part of the tournament, was defeated in the finals and was eliminated early after not being able to sentence at home. Now they will have their first game against Deportivo Pasto, who dreams of getting into the top eight.
One of the great disappointments last tournament was Deportivo Cali, penultimate in the championship, although they are in the round of 16 of the Copa Sudamericana. El Azucarero will play against Jaguares, another team that wants to be a candidate this semester.
Colombia Dimayor Betplay Matchday 1: Atlético Nacional vs. Cortuluá
Moneyline odds: Atlético Nacional -238 / Cortuluá +600 (Source: MyBookie.ag)
Draw Offs: +350
Where Can I Watch? Win Sports Online
Nacional needs no introduction. In a final that will be well remembered, they achieved their 17th star with an aggregate of 4-3 with a goal at 90 + 1’ of Jarlan Barrera. By name, it is the best payroll in the country, although the showy game they usually have was not evident. Without vacations, el Verdolaga turned the page and already dreams of celebrating Christmas with a new title.
As for Cortuluá, it was one of the worst teams last tournament, finishing 18th with only 20 points out of a possible 60, and what worries them the most is relegation. In December two teams will go down to the Second Division and they are only one place above the relegation zone, so they must start winning now. César Torres will have the mission of directing this ship and will not count on his striker Luis Carlos Ruiz, who moves to Millonarios.
Last semester was a 1-1 draw between the two teams at the 12 de Octubre stadium with goals from Luis Carlos Ruiz for the locals and Jefferson Duque for the visitors.
Atlético Nacional vs. Cortuluá Betting Pick: Atlético Nacional
Colombia Dimayor Betplay Matchday 1: Deportes Tolima vs. Deportivo Independiente de Medellín
Moneyline odds: Deportes Tolima +117 / Deportivo Independiente de Medellín +250 (Source: MyBookie.ag)
Draw Offs: +205
Where Can I Watch? Win Sports Online
A hard moment for Tolima. They were already celebrating the title and oversight in a corner kick snatched it from it. That and the missed penalty by Daniel Cataño which included a red card for the player changed the game for them. Those led by Hernán Torres had to pass the bitter pill and change the chip: new tournament, new illusion. For that, they already hired striker Andrés Rentería.
On the DIM side, they had everything in their favor to advance to the final, but precisely they lost at home against Tolima (0-1) on the penultimate Matchday of the finals. Julio Comesaña was fired as coach and David González, an idol of the institution, assumed that position.
This year they have played 3 times and it has been very tight: 1 win per side and 1 draw.
Deportes Tolima vs. Deportivo Independiente Medellín Betting Pick: Draw
Colombia Dimayor Betplay Matchday 1: Millonarios vs. Deportivo Pasto
Moneyline odds: Millonarios -217 / Deportivo Pasto +600 (Source: MyBookie.ag)
Draw Offs: +310
Where Can I Watch? Win Sports Online
After a painful semester with the elimination, where they were the best team in the regular phase, Millonarios faces this tournament with the illusion of being champion, and it may be the last chance for Alberto Gamero, whom the fans are already reproaching for his constant eliminations. One of the problems of Los Embajadores in this tournament was the lack of goals, and that is why they brought the experienced striker Luis Carlos Ruiz, Cortuluá’s scorer last semester with 11 goals in 18 games.
On the side of Deportivo Pasto, it was very far from those classified for the finals, with only 22 points, and although it is not complicated with the relegation issue, it must be careful not to suffer.
In the last tournament, the blue team was victorious as a visitor by 0-1 with a goal by Diego Herazo.
Millonarios vs. Deportivo Pasto Betting Pick: Millonarios
Colombia Dimayor Betplay Matchday 1: Deportivo Cali vs. Jaguares
Moneyline odds: Deportivo Cali -103 / Jaguares +285 (Source: MyBookie.ag)
Draw Offs: +230
Where Can I Watch? Win Sports Online
Deportivo Cali was one of the disappointments of the first semester. They were penultimate in the table despite having one of the best squads and coming from being champions. Rafael Dudamel never managed to find the team in the tournament, but had a good Copa Libertadores, although, in the end, it was only enough to advance to the Copa Sudamericana. Germán Mera is one of the outstanding reinforcements for this championship.
On the side of Jaguares, they fought until the end to enter the top 8, but finally, they did not make it and this year they are going for the classification. Gregori Méndez will sit on the technical bench, replacing César Torres. The Cordovan team will not have Andrés Rentería, their scorer, and will look for a way to replace him.
Jaguares won the last semester 2-1 with goals of Héctor Urrego and Rentería. Kevin Velasco score for Cali.
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