Atlético Nacional and Millonarios both claimed victories in the first round of Group A in the BetPlay semi-final quadrangular.
Atlético Nacional made a strong impression in the first match of the BetPlay League II semi-finals for 2024, beating Indepentiente Santa Fe 5-0 at the Atanasio Girardot Stadium in Medellín.
The ‘Verdolaga’ team quickly took control of the match after Santa Fe central defender Marcelo Ortiz was sent off just three minutes after kick-off.
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With an attacking style of play that effectively exploited the wings, Nacional opened the scoring through Andrés Sarmiento in the 26th minute, followed by Marino Hinestroza’s goal in the 32nd minute.
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Things got worse for Santa Fe when Felipe Aguirre received his second yellow card, leaving the Antioqueño club with ten men just before halftime.
To top it all off, Nacional coach Efraín Juárez was also sent off for an exuberant celebration directed at the Santa Fe bench.
Although it seemed like the match was rebalancing, Nacional continued to press the accelerator. Sarmiento found the net again in the 46th minute, after a collective action involving Andrés Felipe Román and Hinestroza on the right wing.
Santa Fe, who had been renowned for their tactical organization and defensive solidity during the regular phase, seemed out of their depth, conceding too much space to their opponents. In the 69th minute, a corner taken by Pablo Ceppelini led to an unfortunate own goal by Edward López, who deflected the ball into his own net while attempting to clear.
Showing strength in the aerial duels, Nacional added a fifth goal when Joan Castro headed in another perfectly placed cross from Ceppelini in the 89th minute.
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This resounding victory prepares Nacional for its next challenge against Pasto, scheduled for November 24 at 3:00 p.m.
In the first match of Group A, Millonarios also faced Deportivo Pasto and achieved a 2-1 victory, although it was more difficult than expected.
The ‘volcanic’ team produced an aggressive offensive strategy, generating several scoring chances during the first half, but failed to take advantage of them against a feverish Millonarios.
In the second half, the home team improved their performance and took the lead with a header from Falcao García in the 63rd minute.
However, Nariño’s joy was short-lived when Daniel Moreno equalized from the penalty spot in the 72nd minute.
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But Leonardo Castro gave the Embajadores the lead again just three minutes later, scoring the winning goal in the 75th minute.
Millonarios will next face Santa Fe in the capital classic on Monday, November 25 at 8:00 p.m.
