On Thursday, the Verde triumphed with a narrow 2-1 win over the Poderoso de la Montaña during the fifth matchday of Group A in the first division. Juan Rengifo opened the scoring in the 24th minute, capitalizing on a well-constructed play to set the tone for the match. However, At. Nacional was unshaken and doubled their lead early in the second half, with Alfredo Morelos unleashing a spectacular shot in the 53rd minute.
The home crowd erupted when Morelos, who initiated and finished the play, struck the ball from the left side of the box, finding the net in the right corner of the goal.
Independiente Medellín did respond late in the game in the second half’s injury time as Francisco Fydriszewski converted a penalty, narrowing the score to 2-1. This late strike added an exciting twist in the final moments.
Juan Rengifo emerged as the standout player of the match, being instrumental with his goal. Alfredo Morelos also earned recognition for his amazing performance, contributing one goal.
Marino Hinestroza dazzled the audience with an impressive nutmeg on Medellín’s defender Kevin Mantilla just 11 minutes into the first half, showcasing At. Nacional’s attacking prowess.
Head coach Diego Arias implemented a strategic 4-5-1 formation, featuring David Ospina as the goalkeeper. The defense was anchored by Andrés Román, Simón García, William Tesillo, and Camilo Cándido, while Matheus Uribe, Jorman Campuzano, Marino Hinestroza, Juan Rengifo, and Marlos Moreno controlled the midfield, leaving Alfredo Morelos leading the attack.
On the opposing side, coach Alejandro Restrepo set his team in a 4-3-3 formation, with Washington Aguerre guarding the posts, supported by Leyser Chaverra, Kevin Mantilla, Fáiner Torijano, and Daniel Londoño in defense. The midfield comprised Baldomero Perlaza, Jaime Alvarado, and Leider Berrío, while Brayan León, Francisco Fydriszewski, and Juan David Arizala formed the attack.
Referee Wilmar Roldán Pérez officiated the match with precision and controlled the game effectively.
Looking ahead, At. Nacional is set to visit América de Cali, while Independiente Medellín will host Junior at an undisclosed stadium. The match holds special significance for local fans as the Verde will be facing their historic rivals in the popular classic.
Substitutions for At. Nacional
57’ 2T – Simón García was replaced by César Haydar
75’ 2T – Alfredo Morelos was substituted for Dairon Asprilla and Juan Rengifo for Edwin Cardona
85’ 2T – Camilo Cándido came off for Andrés Salazar and Marlos Moreno for Juan Bauzá
Yellow Cards for At. Nacional:
0’ 1T Simón García (Unsporting behavior)
41’ 1T William Tesillo (Unsporting behavior)
17’ 2T Camilo Cándido (Unsporting behavior)
18’ 2T Facundo Batista (Insulting or disapproving the referee)
22’ 2T Alfredo Morelos (Arguing with an opponent)
36’ 2T César Haydar (Unsporting behavior)
Substitutions for Independiente Medellín
45’ 2T – Leyser Chaverra was replaced by Esneyder Mena
59’ 2T – Fáiner Torijano was substituted for José Ortiz and Leider Berrío for Jarlan Barrera
72’ 2T – Brayan León came off for Luis Sandoval
80’ 2T – Jaime Alvarado was replaced by Alexis Serna
Yellow Cards for Independiente Medellín:
6’ 1T Baldomero Perlaza (Holding the opponent to prevent progression)
22’ 1T Leyser Chaverra (Unsporting behavior)
45’ 1T Daniel Londoño (Unsporting behavior)
2’ 2T Francisco Fydriszewski (Unsporting behavior)
10’ 2T Kevin Mantilla (Unsporting behavior)
15’ 2T Esneyder Mena (Unsporting behavior)
22’ 2T Brayan León (Arguing with an opponent)