On May 27, 2025, Atlético Nacional and Nacional will face off in a crucial match in Montevideo, marking the final group stage of the CONMEBOL Libertadores. As Atlético Nacional steps into this match already qualified for the knockout stage, their focus will be on fine-tuning their performance ahead of the next phase and continuing their strong showing in the league.
Atlético Nacional, a team with a storied history in Colombian football, secured their spot in the round of 16 a week early by dominating their home games. With nine points, they secured the top position in their group, showcasing their prowess with three consecutive victories at home in Medellín. However, their results away from home tell a different story, as they have struggled in Brazil, suffering two losses that have raised questions about their consistency when playing in unfamiliar territory. In the domestic league (FPC), their performance has been similarly mixed, with five draws and two losses leading to a less-than-stellar 28% success rate.
Marino Hinestroza, a key player for Atlético Nacional, addressed the team’s struggles in away matches, saying, "There are many speculations that we don’t win away, which really concerns me. However, I’m confident that we will show everyone that Nacional is more than just these statistics." He expressed optimism that they could secure an important away victory to silence critics.
In preparation for this match, Atlético Nacional travels to Uruguay without three crucial midfielders. Matheus Uribe is sidelined with a left leg injury, Sebastián Guzmán is dealing with thigh discomfort, and Edwin Cardona will miss the game due to a knee injury. Coach Javier Gandolfi is expected to maintain a consistent starting lineup, bringing forth players like Jorman Campuzano and Billy Arce to fill the gaps left by the absent players.
Finishing at the top of Group F remains a priority for Atlético Nacional. They will be going up against the bottom team in the group, which has already been eliminated—managed by former Independiente Santa Fe coach Pablo Peirano. Camilo Cándido, another member of the team, stated on local radio: "Being already classified gives us assurance, but as a big team, we must aim to win and secure first place in the group." His sentiments reflect the team’s mentality as they approach this match with the ambition of maintaining their strong standing.
The encounter is scheduled for May 28 at 17:00 local time, providing both teams with a pivotal opportunity to make a statement ahead of the knockout rounds. Following this match, Atlético Nacional will shift their focus to the cuadrangulares (playoffs) of the Colombian league, debuting on June 1 against Once Caldas at the Atanasio Girardot Stadium.
Confirmed Line-ups:
Nacional:
Mejía; Morales, Calione, Millán, Báez; Boggio, Oliva, Villalba, Vargas, Otero; López.
Atlético Nacional:
Ospina; Román, Arias, Tesillo, Cándido; Campuzano, Zapata, Hinestroza, Asprilla, Arce; Viveros.
As the countdown to the match begins, fans are eagerly anticipating an exciting clash filled with passion and intensity. Atlético Nacional’s drive to solidify their dominance in Group F will be tested against Nacional, and the outcome will be a significant indicator of their readiness for the challenges that lie ahead in the knockout stage of the CONMEBOL Libertadores. This match not only holds implications for standings but also sets the tone for the team’s trajectory in domestic and continental competitions moving forward.
