Juan Rengifo Scores on Dream Debut for Atlético Nacional

MEDELLÍN, Colombia — Juan Manuel Rengifo marked his professional debut in spectacular fashion, scoring a goal in Atlético Nacional’s 4-0 victory over Deportes Quindío at the Atanasio Girardot Stadium on August 28, 2025.

The 20-year-old forward expressed his joy after the match, stating, “This is much more than I could have ever dreamed,” in a heartfelt interview with the official broadcast.

The match, a first leg encounter in the round of 16 of the Copa Betplay 2025, kicked off with both teams showing balanced control. However, Nacional quickly found the net in the 10th minute when Alfredo Morelos scored from a set piece delivered by Edwin Cardona, with assistance from Juan Manuel Zapata.

Deportes Quindío struggled to respond effectively throughout the first half. They came close to leveling the score with a chance for Andrés Carabalí, but he failed to connect with a cross in the 28th minute.

As the first half neared its end, Andrés Felipe Román doubled Nacional’s lead with a strong shot from the center of the area. The score remained 2-0 at halftime.

The second half took a significant twist when Carabalí was sent off with a second yellow card in the 52nd minute, leaving Quindío down to ten men. Nacional capitalized on their numerical advantage, creating numerous scoring opportunities.

Rengifo’s special moment arrived in the 84th minute when he headed in a cross at the back post, making him the focus of an emotional celebration. “My goal was to debut, and it obviously wouldn’t hurt to score; I cried with joy and pride because it hasn’t been easy for me,” he shared.

Elkin Rivero capped the scoring in stoppage time, converting a chance from a Joan Castro cross to make it 4-0. After the match, coach Javier Gandolfi praised Rengifo, stating he earned his opportunity through hard work. “Age, name, and surname do not matter; players who take their chances will get more minutes,” he said.

In recognition of Rengifo’s performance, Atlético Nacional’s social media team shared a special post celebrating his dream debut.

The teams will meet again for the second leg at the Estadio Centenario in Armenia on September 3, 2025, at 7:45 p.m. with Nacional significantly favored to advance.