Direct duel for qualification to the playoffs. Santa Fe will visit Tolima on matchday 17 of the FPC with a new coach and in penance with their fans after the 0-5 loss to Águilas in Bogotá.
The table is very tight in the middle zone. The home team is in fifth place with 25 points and the cardenal team is in eighth place with 23. With four matchdays remaining, a misstep can be treacherous.
Tolima turned their campaign around with the arrival of new coach David González. They are competing at the top and although they lost to Deportivo Cali in Palmaseca, they have shown reliability. They have accumulated five consecutive victories.
Santa Fe ended another cycle this year. The thrashing at El Campín hastened the departure of Hubert Bodhert and jeopardized their passage to the semifinals. Uruguayan Pablo Peirano has taken over amidst the urgency. They will need to earn points in the remaining matches to reach the next round.
Midfielder Yeison Guzmán coordinates the attack. A few meters behind, the experience of Juan Pablo Nieto complements a zone that makes the difference for the vinotinto y oro team. Together, they provide ball circulation, recovery, and management.
Hugo Rodallega continues to be the sole emblem for the albirrojo team. His skill intimidates defenders. With four goals, he is the team's leading scorer in the tournament.
Tolima ended their undefeated streak against Deportivo Cali. They lost 2-0 away from home. Prior to that, they defeated Jaguares, Junior, Chicó, Envigado, and Pasto. They climbed in the table and one more win would leave them very close to qualification.
The Bogotá team earned only one point in the last six matches. The 0-5 defeat against Águilas led to the departure of their coach, hurt the fans, and compromised their chances of reaching the playoffs in advance.
Santa Fe won 2-0 on April 29 in Bogotá. The goals were scored by Hugo Rodallega and Johan Torres.
Tolima will host Santa Fe on Sunday, October 15 at 20:20 in the Murillo Toro stadium in Ibagué.