In an electrifying encounter at the Estadio Atanasio Girardot, At. Nacional triumphed 4-1 against Fortaleza FC on Thursday, with the standout performance coming from Alfredo Morelos, who netted two goals. The match was part of the sixth round of the Colombian league.
The scoring began early for the hosts, with Milton Casco finding the net at the 52nd minute, followed by Morelos’ goals at the 34th minute and a penalty in the 58th minute. Marlos Moreno capped off the scoring for Nacional with a goal in the 75th minute. Fortaleza managed to pull one back through Andrés Amaya, who scored in the 54th minute, thrilling the visiting fans.
Morelos initially missed a penalty in the 25th minute of the first half, creating tension in the stands before making amends with two goals that solidified his status as the man of the match. He not only scored twice but also had six attempts on goal, showcasing his attacking prowess.
In defense, Milton Casco was a crucial player, contributing both defensively and offensively with a goal of his own.
Under the management of Diego Arias, At. Nacional employed a 4-5-1 formation, featuring Harlen Castillo in goal; a backline of Andrés Román, Simón García, César Haydar, and Milton Casco; a midfield composed of Juan Manuel Zapata, Matheus Uribe, Nicolas Rodriguez, Juan Rengifo, and Andrés Sarmiento; and Alfredo Morelos leading the attack.
On the other side, coach Sebastián Oliveros set Fortaleza FC in a 4-3-3 formation with Miguel Silva in goal; Joan Cajares, Yesid Díaz, Harold Balanta, and Santiago Cuero in defense; Leonardo Pico, Sebastián Navarro, and Kevin Balanta in midfield; and a forward line of Andrés Amaya, Richardson Rivas, and Andrés Arroyo.
The referee overseeing the match was Carlos Ortega Jaimes.
Looking ahead, At. Nacional is set to face Jaguares in their next match, while Fortaleza FC will play at home against Boyacá Chicó.
With this victory, At. Nacional now holds 9 points, placing them in fifth position on the table, while Fortaleza FC remains with 7 points, sitting in thirteenth place in the tournament.
Substitutions for At. Nacional
66’ 2T – Marlos Moreno replaced Andrés Sarmiento, Jorman Campuzano replaced Juan Manuel Zapata, and Jhon Velásquez replaced Andrés Amaya.
72’ 2T – Dairon Asprilla came on for Alfredo Morelos, and Edwin Cardona replaced Matheus Uribe.
77’ 2T – Juan José Rosa replaced Nicolas Rodriguez.
Yellow Cards for At. Nacional:
29’ 1T – Juan Manuel Zapata (Unsportsmanlike conduct) and 59’ 2T – Alfredo Morelos (Unsportsmanlike conduct).
Substitutions for Fortaleza FC
45’ 2T – Teun Wilke replaced Richardson Rivas.
76’ 2T – David Ramírez came on for Kevin Balanta, while Julio Sinisterra replaced Sebastián Navarro.
83’ 2T – Cristian Orozco replaced Andrés Arroyo.
Yellow Cards for Fortaleza FC:
21’ 1T – Kevin Balanta (Unsportsmanlike conduct) and 48’ 2T – Teun Wilke (Unsportsmanlike conduct).
Red Cards for Fortaleza FC:
69’ 2T – Teun Wilke (Second yellow card).