The Categoría Primera A, commonly known as Liga BetPlay, is the top professional football division in Colombia. As the premier football league in the country, it has been home to some of the best talent in Latin American football, boasting a rich history and fierce competition. Whether you are a long-time follower of Colombian football or a newcomer to the sport, the standings of the Categoría Primera A are an essential part of understanding how the league functions and how the teams perform throughout the season.

This article will provide you with an in-depth look at the Categoría Primera A standings, how the league works, the most competitive teams, key players, and what the current standings reveal about the league’s competitiveness. Based on the latest available information, we’ll explore the teams that have dominated in the 2025 season and take a look at the structure of the league.

Understanding the Categoría Primera A

Before diving into the standings, it’s important to understand the Categoría Primera A and how the competition works. The Categoría Primera A is the highest division of professional football in Colombia. Organized by the Dimayor (División Mayor del Fútbol Colombiano), the league consists of 20 teams that compete in a round-robin format during the regular season. The league operates under a short-season format with two tournaments per year:

Torneo Apertura: This is the first tournament of the year, typically beginning in January and running until June. The winner of this tournament is crowned as the champion of the Apertura.

Torneo Finalización: This is the second tournament of the year, which starts in July and ends in December. The winner of the Finalización is crowned as the champion of that season.

Both tournaments have their own champion, but at the end of the year, there is a final Superliga de Colombia match between the winners of the Apertura and Finalización tournaments to crown the overall Colombian champion of the year.

The Structure of the League: How the Standings are Calculated

The standings in the Categoría Primera A are determined based on the performance of the teams throughout the regular season. Teams earn points based on the results of their matches, with the standard point allocation being:

3 points for a win

1 point for a draw

0 points for a loss

The teams are ranked by the number of points they accumulate over the course of the tournament. In the event of a tie in points, the following tiebreakers are used:

Goal Difference: The team with the higher goal difference (goals scored minus goals conceded) is ranked higher.

Goals Scored: If teams are still tied after goal difference, the team that has scored more goals during the tournament is ranked higher.

Head-to-Head Results: If necessary, the results of the direct matchups between the tied teams are considered.

Current Standings of the Categoría Primera A (2025)

As of the latest update, the 2025 season of the Categoría Primera A has been highly competitive, with several teams making a strong push for the top spots. Below, we explore the current standings based on the latest available data and offer insights into the teams that are currently performing well.

Top Teams in the 2025 Categoría Primera A

Atlético Nacional: Atlético Nacional is one of the most successful and popular teams in Colombian football, and their current position in the 2025 standings reflects their strength. With multiple Apertura and Finalización titles under their belt, Atlético Nacional is a perennial contender in the league. 

They are known for their attacking style of play and solid defense. In 2025, they have once again showcased their dominance, with standout performances from key players such as Jefferson Duque and Daniel Muñoz. Atlético Nacional’s consistency, both at home and away, has allowed them to remain one of the top teams in the league, currently occupying one of the top positions in the standings.

Millonarios FC

Millonarios, another iconic team in Colombian football, has had a resurgence in the last few years, consistently competing for the top spots in the standings. As one of the most successful clubs in the history of the Categoría Primera A, Millonarios has been a significant force in the 2025 season. Players like Fernando Uribe and Mayer Candelo have played pivotal roles in their campaign, contributing with goals, assists, and leadership. Currently, Millonarios is fighting for a place in the playoffs, as they look to secure a championship after a dry spell in recent years. Their performances have been characterized by high-pressure football, excellent passing, and a strong defense.

Independiente Santa Fe

Independiente Santa Fe is another heavy hitter in Colombian football, and in 2025, they have shown their ability to compete with the best. With a strong roster that includes players like Jhonathan Herrera and Carlos Sánchez, Santa Fe has positioned themselves near the top of the standings, continuously battling for the title in both the Apertura and Finalización tournaments. Santa Fe is known for its disciplined, tactical play, and their consistent form has made them a top contender in the Categoría Primera A.

Deportivo Cali

Deportivo Cali, with its large fanbase and rich history, has made a strong impression in the 2025 season. After a series of inconsistent seasons, Cali has found their rhythm again, with key players like Teófilo Gutiérrez and Harold Preciado leading the charge. Deportivo Cali’s success in the league has come from their ability to score goals consistently and tighten their defense when necessary. As of the most recent update, Deportivo Cali is fighting for the playoff spots and looking to secure their place in the Liguilla (playoffs) at the end of the season.

América de Cali

América de Cali is another legendary club in Colombian football, and they have continued to compete at a high level in the 2025 season. With players like Adrián Ramos and Carlos Lizarazo, América has continued to be one of the top teams in the league. Their balanced approach to attacking and defending has given them the edge in several crucial matches. América’s position in the standings shows their resilience and ability to challenge the league’s top teams.

Mid-Table Teams

Once Caldas: Once Caldas has shown that they are a force to be reckoned with, even if they aren’t currently at the top of the table. Known for their unpredictable style, they often manage to pull off surprising victories. Players like Carlos Rodríguez and David Lemos have been crucial to their success. Once Caldas currently sits in the middle of the standings, aiming for a strong finish to push for a playoff spot.

Atlético Junior: Atlético Junior has had an up-and-down performance in the 2025 season. While they have the talent to compete with the best, including players like Teófilo Gutiérrez and Luis Díaz, their form has been inconsistent. Junior’s ability to find consistency will determine whether they can push for higher positions in the standings in the remaining part of the season.

Bottom-of-the-Table Teams

La Equidad: La Equidad has had a difficult time this season, struggling to pick up points and falling near the bottom of the table. Despite having a strong squad and potential to compete, they have faced challenges with injuries and inconsistent performances. They will need to regroup in the second half of the season to avoid relegation and secure their spot in the top flight for next season.

Envigado FC: Envigado FC has also faced a tough season, finding themselves near the relegation zone. The club is known for its youth development and scouting, but in the 2025 season, they’ve found it challenging to compete with the larger clubs. Players like Juan Pablo Ramírez have shown moments of brilliance, but consistency remains an issue.

How the Playoffs Work in Categoría Primera A

The top 8 teams from the standings after the regular season qualify for the Liguilla, or the playoff rounds. The playoffs are divided into two stages:

Quarterfinals: The top four teams from the standings face off against the teams ranked fifth to eighth. These matchups are typically decided through a two-legged series (home and away).

Semifinals: The winners of the quarterfinals advance to the semifinals, where they compete for a place in the Final.

Final: The two semifinal winners face off in a final series to crown the champion of the Categoría Primera A for that tournament. At the end of the year, the champions of both the Apertura and Finalización tournaments compete in the Superliga de Colombia to determine the overall champion.

The Importance of the Categoría Primera A Standings

The Categoría Primera A standings are a reflection of the intense competition in Colombian football, where the best teams battle it out for supremacy each season. The standings not only determine which teams will qualify for the playoffs, but also provide insights into the performance of individual players and the overall health of the teams in the league. For fans of Colombian football, staying updated on the standings is a key part of following the sport. 

Whether you’re rooting for traditional powerhouses like Atlético Nacional a Millonarios, or supporting underdogs like Once Caldas or Envigado, the Categoría Primera A is always full of surprises and exciting moments. As the 2025 season continues, the top teams will look to secure their place in the playoffs, while others will fight for survival and avoid relegation. With so many high-quality teams and passionate fanbases, the Categoría Primera A remains one of the most thrilling and unpredictable leagues in the world.

FAQs

What is the Categoría Primera A? 

Categoría Primera A is the top professional football league in Colombia, often referred to simply as the “Primera A” or “Liga BetPlay” due to its sponsorship. It features the country’s best football teams competing for the national championship. The league has been a prominent part of Colombian football since its establishment in 1948.

What is the playoff format in the Categoría Primera A? 

After the regular season (Apertura and Finalización), the top 8 teams from each tournament qualify for the playoffs. These teams enter into a knockout round, beginning with quarterfinals, semifinals, and culminating in the final. The team that wins the final of the two tournaments (Apertura and Finalización) is crowned the Colombian champion.

How are the relegation spots decided in the Categoría Primera A? 

Relegation is based on the accumulated points over the last three years of a team’s performance in the league. The bottom two teams at the end of the season (across both tournaments) face relegation to the second division, known as Categoría Primera B.

Is there any historical team dominance in the Categoría Primera A? 

Yes, several teams have historically dominated the league. Atlético Nacional is one of the most successful clubs, with numerous championships in the league’s history. Millonarios, América de Cali, and Independiente Santa Fe also have rich histories in the league and have frequently been at the top of the standings.

What is the role of the “Apertura” and “Finalización” tournaments in the standings? 

Both the Apertura (opening) and Finalización (closing) tournaments are part of the annual competition. Teams play in these two separate phases, each with its own standings. The winner of each tournament secures a spot in the final playoff, and the overall best performing teams across both tournaments have the chance to win the league title.

In Summary

The Categoría Primera A standings play a crucial role in determining the best teams in Colombian football, shaping the race for the championship, relegation, and international tournament qualifications. With an exciting format featuring the Apertura and Finalización tournaments, the league delivers intense competition and dynamic rankings throughout the season.

Fans can stay updated on the latest standings through official league websites, sports networks, and live broadcasts. As teams battle for supremacy, historical powerhouses like Atlético Nacional, Millonarios, and América de Cali continue to shape the legacy of Colombian football. Whether following the league for passion, betting insights, or club loyalty, the Categoría Primera A remains a must-watch competition filled with action, drama, and surprises

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