Tolima scores again against América and leaves DIM one step away from the Liga final: minute by minute

América de Cali and Deportes Tolima face off this Thursday at the Pascual Guerrero Stadium, with the pressure on them to secure a win that will keep them in contention for a spot in the 2025-I BetPlay League final.

Deportivo Independiente Medellín's 1-0 victory over Junior de Barranquilla on Wednesday at Atanasio Girardot Stadium left Alejandro Restrepo's team top of Group A with 10 points. América has five, Tolima two, and Junior, already eliminated, is left with one.

For this reason, victory is key for both teams this Thursday, especially for Tolima, who, if they don't win, will also lose out on the chance to win the first star in 2025.

América coach Jorge "Polilla" Da Silva has had to maneuver his roster due to absences. Now that the bulk of his squad is back, the Reds are expected to regain the lead and consolidate their goal of reaching the final.

The main news is the return of Juan Fernando Quintero, their star player, who overcame the injury that kept him out of the Colombian national team squad after their qualifying draw against Peru and Argentina. Juan Fernando is starting and will be key to the team's goal.

Also returning are Daniel Bocanegra, Rodrigo Holgado, who scored his first goal for Malaysia; Luis Ramos, called up by Peru and available again; and Rafael Carrascal, who was with the Colombian national team. Holgado will be on the bench.

So América is counting on all its arsenal to seek victory, against a Tolima team that has gone four games in a row without a win and is on the verge of elimination.

Tolima has three changes from the team that drew 1-1 against América in Ibagué. Cristopher Fiermarín, Jersson González, and Adrián Parra will start, replacing William Cuesta, Andrés Arroyo, and Kevin Pérez.