Atlético Nacional Aims for Victory in Libertadores Against Nacional

Montevideo, Uruguay — Atlético Nacional faces a pivotal match on Wednesday, May 28, at the historic Gran Parque Central stadium. The Colombian team will play their final group stage match of the 2025 Copa Libertadores against Nacional of Uruguay, aiming for a win that guarantees first place in Group F.

Kickoff is set for 5:00 p.m. (Colombia time). A victory would allow coach Javier Gandolfi’s squad to secure home advantage in the knockout rounds, playing the next phase at Atanasio Girardot, a venue that represents their strength and history in continental competitions.

Currently, the team is under pressure. Key players like Mateus Uribe, Edwin Cardona, and Sebastián Guzmán will miss the match due to injuries. The squad has struggled playing away, losing their last two matches in this tournament, contrasting sharply with their home performance in Medellín. This dilemma has led to some discontent among fans, especially following recent defeats against Águilas Doradas and Junior in the local league.

Despite these challenges, the Copa Libertadores offers a fresh opportunity. Already qualified for the knockout stage and the local league’s quadrangular phase, a win in Montevideo could renew the team’s morale. “We want to show we are capable of big things,” stated Gandolfi when addressing the fans who have raised concerns about the team’s performance.

Nacional of Uruguay comes into the game motivated after two consecutive league victories and hopes for a spot in the Copa Sudamericana. However, they must win by three goals and hope for a loss by Bahia to advance.

In the previous encounter, Atlético Nacional dominated with a 3-0 victory at home, thanks to goals from Marino Hinestroza, Kevin Viveros, and Alfredo Morelos. Historically, matches between these two teams have been intense. The last game saw a thrilling 4-4 draw, showcasing both teams’ competitive spirit.

The match will be officiated by Argentine referee Maximiliano Ramírez, underlining the high stakes involved for both clubs. Atlético Nacional recognizes the importance of this game not just for their qualification, but also for the confidence of their supporters and the future of the coaching staff.

In summary, victory or defeat in this match could significantly alter the direction of Atlético Nacional’s season, as they strive for success on both domestic and international fronts.