BTN News: Atlético Nacional seized the top spot in the Liga BetPlay 2024-2 standings, albeit temporarily, after a commanding 3-1 victory over Patriotas de Boyacá. This win, which took place on a Saturday evening, marks a significant step forward for the team as they await the results from the rest of the fifth round of the league. On the other hand, Patriotas de Boyacá edges closer to relegation, struggling to find a foothold in the competition.
The first half of the match was anything but a spectacle. Atlético Nacional, under the guidance of coach Pablo Repetto, seemed disjointed and lacked the dynamism that typically characterizes their play. Despite their efforts, the first 45 minutes ended in a goalless stalemate, with Patriotas arguably closer to finding the back of the net. The tension was palpable, as both teams knew the importance of securing points in this fixture.
However, the second half painted a different picture. Nacional, with their superior quality, managed to break through Patriotas’ defense and take control of the game. This win propelled them to 13 points on the league table, three points clear of their closest competitors—Fortaleza, Once Caldas, and La Equidad. It’s worth noting that Nacional had to bring forward two matches due to the upcoming FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, which will be hosted at the Estadio Atanasio Girardot. This rescheduling saw them secure a win against Millonarios in Bogotá (1-2) and suffer a defeat against La Equidad in Medellín (0-1).
The breakthrough for Atlético Nacional came just three minutes into the second half. Dairon Asprilla, with a clinical right-footed finish, found the net after a well-timed assist from Edwin Cardona. This early goal should have settled Nacional’s nerves, but it didn’t. Merely three minutes later, Patriotas took advantage of a lapse in Nacional’s concentration, with Sebastián Perea scoring the equalizer, momentarily stunning the home crowd. The situation could have worsened for Nacional when goalkeeper Harlen Castillo made a glaring error by misplacing a pass directly to Diego Ruiz. Ruiz, however, failed to capitalize on the opportunity as Castillo swiftly redeemed himself, preventing what could have been a disastrous goal.
In an effort to regain control, Repetto introduced the Uruguayan playmaker Pablo Ceppellini, and the change paid off. Ceppellini brought a much-needed spark to Nacional’s play, and it didn’t take long for them to reclaim the lead. In the 65th minute, Alfredo Morelos made his mark by scoring his first goal for Nacional, heading the ball into the net after a precise cross from Juan Felipe Aguirre. This goal not only put Nacional back in the driver’s seat but also ignited a sense of relief among the fans.
As the match wore on, Dairon Asprilla once again showcased his predatory instincts. With just 15 minutes left on the clock, he capitalized on a loose ball in the box, smashing it home with his left foot to seal the victory for Nacional. This 3-1 scoreline reflected Nacional’s dominance in the latter stages of the game, underscoring their credentials as title contenders this season.
Looking ahead, Atlético Nacional faces a brief hiatus from competitive action. Their sixth-round match has already been played, and the seventh-round clash against Deportivo Cali has been postponed. The team is expected to return to the pitch at the end of the month, with a match against Jaguares in Montería scheduled for the first weekend of September. This break could prove to be a crucial period for the team to regroup, especially as they aim to maintain their position at the top of the Liga BetPlay 2024-2 standings.
This win not only highlights the resilience of Atlético Nacional but also the potential challenges that lie ahead as they navigate the complexities of a condensed schedule and the pressures of maintaining their lead in the league. With key players stepping up at critical moments, the team appears well-equipped to handle the demands of the season. However, as the league progresses, consistency will be key, and Nacional will need to keep their focus sharp as they continue their pursuit of the title.
