After completing the initial phase of the league, Atlético Nacional finished in fifth place with 32 points. The second half of the season under Efraín Juárez was up and down, with little evidence of a consistent playing style from the Mexican strategist.
As if that were not enough, Atlético Nacional faces a complicated group against Independiente Santa Fe, Deportivo Pasto and Millonarios, where they strive to be protagonists and secure a place in the final, as they already have made during the Copa BetPlay. In addition, Efraín Juárez will be subject to a demanding schedule with both tournaments, thus testing the physical condition of the team, which must compete on both fronts.
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Nacional have not won in five games, since their narrow victory against Fortaleza CEIF in the Liga BetPlay and Medellín in the Copa BetPlay. Since then, they have recorded three draws and two defeats in the two competitions they participate in. The objective is clear: to overcome the difficulties caused by poor results and player absences imposed by DIMAYOR.
Indeed, as Nacional prepares to begin the final phase against Independiente Santa Fe in the quadrangular phase, they have been informed by the governing body of Colombian football of the two-match suspension of Edwin Cardona, and are awaiting the decision final by Efraín Juárez. In addition to Cardona’s crucial absence, several players will also be absent against the Cardenales.
The excitement of the quadrangular matches will be felt in Medellín this Wednesday, November 20, with Nacional hosting Santa Fe. Yony Gutiérrez of Antena 2 Medellín said on Planeta Fútbol that more than 30,000 fans are expected at the Atanasio Girardot stadium, marking a strong response from Atlético Nacional supporters, with more than 21,000 subscriptions sold.
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However, that’s not all, as there is discontent among fans regarding sanctions like that of Edwin Cardona, who will miss the matches against Santa Fe and Deportivo Pasto. In addition to Cardona, there are other absences for various reasons, including injuries and the Colombian national team schedule, which have complicated the club’s situation.
Yony Gutiérrez concluded: “There are significant updates. Goalkeeper Luis Marquínez did not recover in time. He is on restricted activity due to a head injury; although he has progressed well, they are not don’t want to risk it. David Ospina is also out due to national team duties, and Juan Manuel Zapata is out with a muscle injury that will keep him out for ten more days. Another notable update is the call-up of Mateo Valencia from the youth teams, who will serve as a second goalkeeper.
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