BetPlay League, date 17: 5 key matches that can define everything
The Colombian League is at a climax: 4 days left so that the ‘all against all’ ends and the 8 qualifiers for the home runs are known. The date 17 can mark a before and after in the fight for classification and AM850 review 5 games that will surely change the panorama thinking about the next instance.
At the moment there is no official classificationbeyond the ‘virtual’ ones and the occasional team that presents favorable accounts.
That is why the date 17 You can now begin to clarify the panorama of several teams from the Colombian First Division that are fighting to enter the semifinal stage, while others may have their fate sealed if they do not obtain a favorable result.
BetPlay League, date 17: the key matches
Just a few days after the BetPlay Cup bracket, in which América eliminated Junior on penalties, both teams meet again at Pascual Guerrero.
With an urgent need to add three to put pressure on the eighth, today Santa Fe, La Mechita de González is playing everything against a Junior who lives a different reality.
The agonizing victory over Pereira in Barranquilla changed the air of the Tiburón. Now they are third behind DIM and Bucaramanga, although with the same points (31).
A win will be confirmed classification for Junior, who for now is ‘virtually’ classified thanks to his score and also the good goal difference (+11).
If he wins, in addition, he will deal a painful dagger to America, which will be on the 20-point line and potentially at least 5 points behind the eighth with 9 to play.
A decisive classic, which is experienced as a final.
Santa Fe arrives at the clash against Millonarios in eighth position and with 22 points. His situation is not the best, since he is surrounded by three teams with 20 points and one that has 21, lurking to get him out of the home runs.
Since becoming champion, León faltered and mixed bad and good results, now finding themselves in a hostile environment facing the definition.
On the other side there will be a Millonarios in crisis, which today is seen more outside than inside and in this classic everything is at stake.
They have 18 points, 4 less than eighth. If they lose against Santa Fe, the gap of 7 units by 9 with playing would be lethal, decisive.
Winning would not only place Millonarios close to eighth position, but it would also apply a dose of confidence necessary to achieve that clean and jerk and get into the top eight.
Complicated mission, but not impossible.
Another clash of candidates at eight.
Tolima is more comfortable thanks to its 26 points. He is sixth and has a 5-point advantage over ninth, already out of the classification.
They will have to face Deportivo Cali, directed by Alberto Gamero and who does not convince on the field.
With 20 points, Azucarero is another of those who needs to win no matter what to really get on and put pressure on. Or, at least, not lose.
In case of a defeat, Cali could reach the final stretch of the tournament with several points thinking about the eighth place, so a win is imperative.
The second great classic of matchday 17 of the BetPlay League, although with two comfortable teams in the table.
Independiente Medellín is practically inside. With 31 points, Poderoso maintains a good position and is second behind Bucaramanga. With a DG of +12, Restrepo’s team is breathing easy and could even seal the passage against their classic rival.
For its part, Nacional has just rescued an agonizing draw against Pasto to stay in fourth place with 28 units. Victory would leave them in, considering other results, so it will be an intense match, with two teams that have victory in mind.
For the classic, both teams will have losses: on the DIM side, three players are suspended due to accumulation of cards. These are León, Berrío and Léyser Chaverra.
In the case of Nacional, Alfredo Morelos is still suspended after Dimayor’s punishment and will watch the classic from the stands. In addition, Marlos Moreno was sent off against Pasto and will not be present.
The Leopards reach matchday 17 as leaders of the championship.
31 points and a goal difference of +14 leave them leaders over DIM and Junior, with a good projection to be semi-finalists.
They will have to receive Llaneros, another of those in the top 8, in a match that promises.
Those from Villavicencio had a great campaign and are about to confirm themselves in home runs. They have 25 points and, if they win, they are practically in.
