Santa Fe, Gregorio Pérez's version of 2018, is a team that does not perform well and its ups and downs barely allow it to be at the top of the table, in third place.

It is currently in 14th place with 9 points in 8 played matches, with only three of them won. At the same point last semester (eight matches), it had 19 units and was in second place, with the same points as the leader. Today, it has 10 points less.

To make matters worse, it does not perform well at home: it has lost two out of four matches, and both against theoretically weaker opponents, Patriotas and Huila. Its strong point last year, which was the defensive line, has become permeable, as it has conceded 7 goals, and the goal-scoring problem remains latent: excluding Morelo's four goals against Jaguares, it has only scored five goals in 7 matches.

The situation is critical as it would not be enough to qualify among the top eight, even if it wins all the remaining matches in Bogota: with the 18 points it needs, it would reach 27.

This Wednesday, it can start to clear the way a bit by facing America de Cali (8:05 p.m. on RCN TV), in a match that was postponed from the third round of the tournament due to both teams' international commitments: Copa Sudamericana and Copa Libertadores, respectively.

But the truth is that the team lacks a leader on the field who is capable of finding solutions in creating plays. Everything boils down to a mere long ball, hoping for a stroke of genius or the opponent's mistake.

A new defeat (it has just lost 1-0 at El Campín against Huila) would be catastrophic and could have harsh consequences for the Bogota team.

Its rival, also with ups and downs, comes with fresh air after defeating Bucaramanga 2-1 last Sunday, breaking a streak of three consecutive defeats,

America, also in need

After achieving a very important victory in the last match they played, America will visit Independiente Santa Fe on Wednesday at El Campín Stadium to catch up with the schedule of Liga I, a match that had been postponed from the third round.

The team led by Jorge da Silva goes with their heads held high, after overcoming a streak of 4 consecutive defeats. Last Sunday, they defeated the team from the beautiful city 2-1, in order to face Gregorio Pérez's team in the best possible mood.

There will be some changes in their starting lineup, as the fullback Hárrison Canchimbo will not be available, and he will be replaced by Iván Vélez. In addition, the Cali midfielder Avimiled Rivas will be absent, as he has a muscle strain in his left calf. It is also said that there could be a variation in the formation of the starting lineup. Therefore, the team would play with three defensive midfielders and only one forward.

"We are going to Bogota to confirm the improvement we showed in the last match, let's hope we can confirm it during Wednesday's match," said América's coach.

SPORTS

JUAN ANTONIO BERNARDI M.

Correspondent Futbolred Cali.