Independiente Medellín: Favourites to Win the Liga BetPlay Dimayor?

After the conclusion of the Cuadrangulares on June 19, 2025, the final is set: Independiente Medellín will face Club Independiente Santa Fe in a two-legged showdown for the Liga BetPlay Dimayor title.

The first leg will take place on June 24, 2025 at 7:30 PM (hora colombiana) at El Campín in Bogotá, while Medellín will enjoy home advantage in the second leg on June 29, 2025 at 6:00 PM (hora colombiana).

A Chance to End the Drought

It’s been nine years since Independiente Medellín last lifted the league title, and they now have a golden opportunity to end that wait — though this isn’t unfamiliar territory. Medellín has lost two finals in the past three years, both in heartbreaking fashion via penalties:

• In December 2022, they fell to Deportivo Pereira, whose squad featured current DIM coach Alejandro Restrepo and now-current player Leider Berrío.
• In December 2023, they lost to Junior, a team that also included Leider Berrío at the time.

Now, in 2025, Medellín returns with unfinished business and a hungry squad.

Road to the Final

Despite finishing 8th in the regular season, Medellín has looked like a top-tier team throughout the campaign. Their low placement led many to rule them out as serious contenders, but that doesn’t tell the full story.

• Best defense in the league: Only 11 goals conceded all season — the lowest in the league.
• 11 clean sheets: Demonstrating a defensive structure that’s compact, disciplined, and extremely difficult to break down.
• Dominant playstyle: DIM played some of the most attractive football in the league — their link-up play, ball control, and structured pressing consistently disrupted opponents.

Their main weakness? Finishing. For much of the season, Medellín created chances but failed to convert. But that narrative has started to change.

Cuadrangulares Dominance

Medellín imposed their authority from matchday one of the Cuadrangulares. They opened with a draw against América de Cali, where they dominated but were punished by a costly mistake. What followed was a statement of intent:

• Wins home and away against Atlético Junior and Deportes Tolima
• Secured the final with one game to spare
• Closed the group undefeated, even with a fully rotated squad in the last match vs. América

They finished with:

• The best point tally
• The best goal difference
• The joint lowest goals conceded across both groups

Keys To Medellin Winning

There’s no doubt Medellín has what it takes to win — but they’ll need to be at their very best to overcome a strong Santa Fe side.

• Defensive solidity is crucial. They must contain veterans like Hugo Rodallega, who’s lethal in front of goal.
• Homer Martínez must anchor the midfield with his precise passing and defensive presence.
• Francisco Chaverra and Leider Berrío need to bring their explosive energy on both ends of the pitch.
• Leon Brayan Muñiz — and whichever striker partners him (Luis Sandoval or Francisco Fydriszewski) — must continue converting chances, as they’ve done throughout the Cuadrangulares.

If they maintain their finishing form and continue to control games defensively, the title is well within reach.

Predicted Starting XI (Leg 1)

Given the venue (El Campín in Bogotá), I believe coach Alejandro Restrepo will opt for a more cautious approach. Expect a double pivot of Homer Martínez and Jaime Alvarado to provide stability in midfield. Up front, Luis Sandoval may get the nod after a solid showing in the last match against América de Cali.

Your Thoughts?

Do you think Independiente Medellín are favourites to win the final?
Would you make any changes to the starting XI?

Let me know in the comments — and I’ll catch you right after the first leg on June 24.