Column of Hernán Peláez Restrepo: Sobrado Tolima

It was the tightest and most precise qualification to define the campaign of Deportes Tolima in this Copa Libertadores, because in addition to advancing to the round of 16, something unusual in the latest versions for our teams, they beat two rivals in Brazilian territory, cut an undefeated very long from Atlético Mineiro, and he played with great concentration and mischief.

I say more than enough, that, at least in my time, it was the easiest way to recognize and appreciate the qualities of highly qualified students. And that applause, if you will, is well deserved by the plant of the pijaos. It is necessary to string together a series of details that justify his excellent moment, in the local tournament and in the Libertadores, where he will be the only Colombian representative capable of comparing himself with that swarm of Brazilian and Argentine teams, from this stage, where in only two games, home and away, they can install themselves in the quarterfinals, although it will be very difficult against none other than Flamengo, from Rio de Janeiro.

Tolima is very clear about what to play and how to take advantage of its virtues. The speed of Anderson Plata on the right is known, who has been acquiring —it is never too late to learn— a better sense of collective play and his appearances, and the centers of the Marulanda side find a certain destination in any of the three forward centers they have.

In the defensive zone they have organized themselves very well in a supportive and fast block to be attentive to the movement of rivals. They know the coverage manual well and they know that in the defensive aerial game they have the lanky goalkeeper Domínguez and the safety of Julián Quiñones. In addition, and that detail was the one that I liked the most and I hope it will delight those fans who accept the result, whatever it may be, but appreciate and enjoy the technical gestures of certain players. The moment of Andrés Ibargüen and that of Lucumí are to applaud. They have certified ball control, daring to face or face the opponent and, above all, they know how to understand where they are productive on the field. I was looking forward to seeing them play more minutes together on the field and, incidentally, refuting the false theory that two talented players cannot play on the same team at the same time.

In addition, Tolima was not scared or exhibited any complex, even if the rival had Hulk, Nacho and his public. He went out to face him, to dispute the ball decisively, without fear or loosen up when Mineiro equalized. He kept sticking to his style of play and got a huge result. All of the above to say that Tolima, without being invincible, in this cup and tournament passage is more than enough.

Now, the eliminated Cali and the Junior thrashed by Union will be the subject of study for their leaders. Cali will try to rearm a more competitive squad figure, without much liquidity, although in the absence of a ticket they are convinced they have several talents in lower divisions. The Char family will enter a field well known to them: invest in politics or in Junior, who due to budget was called to be more of a protagonist.

Tolima showed his face and it only remains that he can continue on that path against Flamengo. He remained pending, as a classic fan, who always liked to see technical and inventive players, recreate myself with the Ibargüen-Lucumí society.