Independiente Medellín, seeking their first title in two years, cruised to a 4-1 win to leave the club two points clear at the top of the table and with a game in hand.

Medellín took an early lead when Humberto Mendoza headed into his own net in the tenth minute, following a strong start from the home side. Luis Mosquera then doubled Medellín’s lead with a well-taken strike from 20 yards out on 30 minutes before Juan González salvaged some home for Real Cartagena in a 61st minute header, against the run of play. But hopes of any comeback were dashed when Humberto Mendoza received a straight red card six minutes later. With Medellín dominant against ten men, midfielder Luis Arias started and finished a third goal for Independiente Medellín, to restore their two goal cushion, before turning provider for Jaime Castrillón to score DIM’s fourth of the night.

Medellín coach, Guillermo Berrío, nicknamed ‘El Teacher’ urged his side to put aside their third victory in four games and keep their attentions on their next opponents Deportes Tolima.

“The victory against Real Cartagena has already passed and now it’s about what is coming next, on Saturday against Deportes Tolima, where we will have to work twice as hard if we are to continue down this path,” he affirmed.