On Saturday, the Verde team triumphed with a resounding 4-0 victory over the Ajedrezados during the first round of the Colombian league. Under the guidance of coach Diego Arias, At. Nacional displayed an impressive level of play, leaving their rivals with no chance.
The scoring opened in the 40th minute when Andrés Sarmiento capitalized on a cross from Juan Rengifo and fired a shot that beat goalkeeper Emiliano Denis Figueroa, igniting the crowd’s excitement.
In the second half, it took just nine minutes for Nacional to extend their lead as Edwin Cardona found the net, followed shortly after by William Tesillo’s header in the 32nd minute. The final goal came from Juan Bauzá in the 38th minute, capping off a comprehensive performance.
Despite several opportunities to increase the lead, including a close shot from Sarmiento that hit the post in the 58th minute, Nacional dominated the match throughout.
Andrés Sarmiento was undoubtedly the standout player of the match, contributing significantly with one goal and five shots on target, while Edwin Cardona also impressed with one goal and four attempts.
Diego Arias set out a bold 4-1-5 formation for Nacional, featuring David Ospina in goal, with a defensive line comprising Andrés Román, Simón García, William Tesillo, and Milton Casco. Juan Manuel Zapata held the midfield, and the attacking front included Marlos Moreno, Juan Rengifo, Edwin Cardona, Andrés Sarmiento, and Dairon Asprilla.
Conversely, Boyacá Chicó, led by Flabio Torres, adopted a 4-2-4 formation with Darío Denis in goal and included defenders Jaime Díaz, Juan Palma, Arlen Banguero, and Juan Quiceno. Their midfield players were Sebastián Salazar and Nicolás Valencia, while the attack featured Jacobo Pimentel, Delio Ramírez, Ítalo Montaño Cortés, and Jairo Molina.
The referee for this match at the Estadio Atanasio Girardot was Carlos Márquez Ortega.
Looking ahead to the next round, At. Nacional will host Jaguares, while Boyacá Chicó will face América de Cali on their home turf. With this victory, Nacional gains three points, sitting atop the league table, while Boyacá Chicó remains without points at the bottom of the standings.
Substitutions for At. Nacional
65’ 2T – Andrés Sarmiento out for Nicolas Rodriguez
74’ 2T – Edwin Cardona out for Juan Bauzá, Marlos Moreno out for Juan José Rosa
80’ 2T – Milton Casco out for Samuel Velásquez, Juan Rengifo out for Matías Lozano
Yellow cards for At. Nacional:
10’ 1T – Juan Rengifo (Unsportsmanlike conduct), 34’ 2T – Milton Casco (Unsportsmanlike conduct), 37’ 2T – Samuel Velásquez (Unsportsmanlike conduct)
Substitutions for Boyacá Chicó
45’ 2T – Sebastián Salazar out for Jeison Mena, Delio Ramírez out for Juan Díaz
68’ 2T – Jaime Díaz out for Anyelo Saldaña, Jacobo Pimentel out for Jhon Romaña
89’ 2T – Jairo Molina out for Julián Castillo
Yellow card for Boyacá Chicó:
15’ 1T – Delio Ramírez (Unsportsmanlike conduct)