Deportivo Cali climbed to 24 points and secured the joint-lead of the Liga Colombiana 2026 second-semester tournament on Friday night, defeating Alianza FC 3-1 at Palmaseca Stadium in Palmira to claim their fifth victory in the todos contra todos phase. Rafael Dudamel’s side overcame a second-half deficit sparked by Leyner David Palacios, relying on goals from Juan Ignacio Dinenno, José Caldera, and Alexis Castillo Manyoma to protect their position inside the top eight.
Deportivo Cali Overcomes Alianza FC at Palmaseca
The Friday night fixture proved difficult for the hosts during a scoreless opening half. Alianza FC broke the deadlock in the 61st minute when Leyner David Palacios struck past the Deportivo Cali defense to take a 1-0 lead.
Juan Ignacio Dinenno equalized in the 69th minute. Ten minutes later, José Caldera put the hosts ahead 2-1 in the 79th minute. Deep into stoppage time, in the 90+4th minute, Alexis Castillo Manyoma sealed the 3-1 scoreline, triggering celebrations on the pitch in Palmira.
Standings Implications in Liga II-2026
The three points lift Deportivo Cali to 24 points with an updated goal difference of plus-11, level with América de Cali at the summit of the table. América de Cali holds the top spot on goal difference at plus-16. The victory reinforces Deportivo Cali’s bid to reach the semifinal cuadrangulares, an instance they have not reached in six tournaments (Finalización de 2023).
Behind the co-leaders, Atlético Nacional sits third with 22 points and a plus-11 goal difference, followed by Millonarios with 21 points. Atlético Bucaramanga and Independiente Medellín occupy fifth and sixth places respectively with 20 points apiece, while Independiente Santa Fe holds seventh with 19 points and Deportes Tolima rounds out the top eight with 18 points. The league table features 15 pending matches from previous rounds, leaving several clubs with games in hand.
Upcoming Fixtures for Deportivo Cali
Deportivo Cali travels to face Deportivo Pereira on Sunday, October 11, for the 14th round of the tournament. The match is scheduled for a 2:00 p.m. local time kickoff at Estadio Santiago de las Atalayas in Yopal.
