Colombia. Torneo Hexagonal del Olaya
The Torneo Hexagonal del Olaya is an electrifying mini-tournament within Colombia's Categoría Primera A, pitting six top teams against each other for a shot at the Clausura final stage. Introduced recently to ramp up excitement and match intensity, it selects the league's elite after the regular phase, turning the competition into a high-stakes survival test. The format rewards tactical depth and endurance, with every goal feeling like a season-defining moment.
History and foundation
Launched in 2022 by the Colombian Football Federation to revitalize the Clausura's latter stages, the inaugural Hexagonal was claimed by Atlético Nacional, who edged Millonarios 2-1 in the decider. Tolima triumphed in 2023, while América de Cali seized glory in 2024 amid fierce rivalry. A standout trivia: the debut edition saw a thrilling 5-3 thriller between Junior and Deportes Tolima, underscoring Colombia's flair for open, attacking play.
Tournament format
Six teams, qualified via the 19-match Clausura round-robin, compete in a single round-robin (5 games each). Standard points apply: 3 for a win, 1 for a draw. The top two advance to the Clausura final for the title. No cup ties or penalty shootouts in the group—pure league-style combat emphasizing consistency.
Interesting facts
Average goals per game hover at 2.6, cementing the Hexagonal as a spectator's delight in the league. Top scorers include Yaimin Gutiérrez (Atlético Nacional) with 4 in 2023 and Adrián Ramírez (Tolima) netting a hat-trick in a pivotal clash. Standout players: Rafael Berrier of América de Cali, a set-piece wizard, and Daniel Gera from Millonarios, whose dribbles dismantle defenses. Emerging star Ronald Resio of Junior Barranquilla has shone brightly.