América de Cali secures top spot and playoff berth; Pereira scores late equalizer

América de Cali has secured its place in the final four of the Liga Betplay II-2026 and claimed the league’s top position following a 3-1 victory over Cúcuta Deportivo. The win, achieved at the Estadio Pascual Guerrero, was driven by an early offensive surge and a decisive assist from Luis Quiñones. Yeison Guzmán opened the scoring with a header that VAR initially disallowed for offside before confirming the goal. Quiñones doubled the lead shortly after, though Cúcuta reduced the deficit through Dayán Pérez before halftime. América restored their two-goal cushion in stoppage time when Jan Lucumí capitalized on another Quiñones assist, sealing the result despite a red card for Léider Berdugo earlier in the second half.

Clásico del Eje Cafetero

In Manizales, Once Caldas and Deportivo Pereira played out a dramatic 1-1 draw in the Clásico del Eje Cafetero. Once Caldas took the lead in the 81st minute through Edwin Torres, who headed in a cross from Michael Barrios. Just as the home side appeared poised to secure three crucial points, Yúber Quiñones scored a spectacular long-range equalizer in the 90th minute. This result allows Once Caldas to climb into eighth place with 21 points, keeping their playoff hopes alive, while Pereira remains near the bottom of the table with 14 points.

Key Standings Updates

• América de Cali: 31 points, first place, qualified for quadrangulares.
• Once Caldas: 21 points, eighth place, still in contention.
• Cúcuta Deportivo: Remains outside the top eight, jeopardizing their playoff status.
• Deportivo Pereira: 14 points, seventeenth place.