Millonarios’ Elimination Explained: Key Reasons Behind Their Playoff Exit

In a pivotal match that sealed their fate in the Liga BetPlay playoffs, Millonarios drew 2-2 with Alianza Valledupar on May 3, 2026, officially eliminating themselves from playoff contention. The result, confirmed by ESPN, leaves the Bogotá-based club with no remaining options to secure a spot in the top eight of the Colombian league.

The match, played at Estadio Armando Maestre Pavajeau in Valledupar, saw Millonarios fall short despite a commanding 55.6% possession and nine shots on goal, according to ESPN’s match statistics. Alianza’s goals came from Yeiner Londoño (45′) and Pedro Franco (55′), while Millonarios’ goals were scored by Rodrigo Contreras (58′ and 90′). The draw ensured Millonarios finished the regular season with 22 points, tied with Bucaramanga and Deportivo Cali but mathematically out of playoff contention.

Millonarios’ elimination marks the end of a season in which they struggled to maintain consistency. As of May 3, 2026, the team had won just seven of their 17 matches in the league, leaving them in 11th place. Their final two fixtures—against Deportes Tolima and Alianza—were their last chances to secure a playoff berth, but the draw against Alianza sealed their fate.

According to Deportes RCN, Millonarios now face the daunting task of securing a top-four finish in the final phase of the league, a challenge that will require a near-perfect run. Even with victories in their remaining matches, the team would need other teams—such as Internacional de Bogotá (25 points), Deportivo Cali (23 points), and Santa Fe (23 points)—to underperform in their own fixtures. However, with the playoffs already decided, Millonarios’ focus now shifts to the upcoming Copa Sudamericana, where they will look to build momentum for next season.

The elimination also brings renewed attention to the future of Millonarios’ head coach, Fabián Bustos. While no official announcement has been made regarding his future with the club, reports in April 2026 indicated that Bustos had rejected an offer from Universitario de Perú to remain with Millonarios. His decision was seen as a commitment to the club’s long-term project, but the team’s playoff exit may reignite speculation about his future.

For now, Millonarios will look to regroup and prepare for the Copa Sudamericana, where they will face a new set of challenges. The club’s board and technical staff will also need to address the immediate questions surrounding Bustos’ contract and the team’s direction for the remainder of the year.

With the Liga BetPlay regular season concluded, the focus now turns to the playoff stage, where Atlético Nacional, Deportivo Pasto, Junior, Deportes Tolima, América, Once Caldas, Internacional, and Santa Fe will compete for the league title.