Atlético Nacional visits Patriotas in Tunja this Thursday, from 6 o’clock in the afternoon, for the round of 16 in the Copa Colombia 2021. After a good difference achieved in the Atanasio, those led by Alejandro Restrepo will confirm the classification to the next phase of this contest. In front are the ‘spearmen’ who have nothing to lose and will seek to hit the ‘bump’.
Alejandro Restrepo cited a mixed roster, taking into account the players summoned to the Colombian National Team and the injured. A combined team is expected that maintains the difference and can give a shot to the players who have not had many minutes played. “The balance we have achieved in all facets of the game has allowed us to live this present. We believe that this series against Patriots is still open, for this reason we must face the commitment with all seriousness.”
In addition, the technician spoke about the course for the Pro License of the Colombian Football Federation that he is taking virtually, with practices already as a coach owned by Nacional. “I advise young coaches who want to follow this path to do things with conviction, discipline, dedication and work, surely football will compensate them for that.”
Regarding what they should take into account, coach Restrepo commented that “there is much to improve: setback, defense, attack-defense transitions and the players are aware of this. We are focused on competing in the best way and always keeping in mind that the game more important is the one that comes, in the eight official games we have not repeated the roster, we have been very careful, there are many players who have had the opportunity to act as starters and there we compensate minutes “.
Data between Patriotas and Atlético Nacional
For the Colombia Cup, Atlético Nacional and Patriotas met four times; the quarterfinal key in the 2016 edition that Nacional advanced, the quarterfinals of the 2017 edition that the Boyacenses advanced, in the second round of the 2018 edition where the purslane won and in this round of 16 key. With 13 goals, Patriotas is the rival that Nacional has scored the most goals in a calendar year since 2005.
As a curious fact, every time the Antioquia team left the ‘lanceros’ on the road, Nacional stayed with the Cup. It happened in their last titles, in 2016 and 2018.
Probable alignment
National Athletic: Aldair Quintana; Hayen Palacios, Cristian Castro Devenish, Emmanuel Olivera, Jímer Fory; Bryan Rovira, Nelson Palacio; Tomás Ángel, Yeison Guzmán, Alex Castro, Ruyeri Blanco.
D.T.: Alejandro Restrepo.
Time: 6:00 pm
Stadium: La Independencia.
Referee: Kéiner Jiménez (Cesar).
Juan Camilo Alvarez Serrano
FUTBOLRED correspondent
Medellin
En Twitter: @juanchoserran8
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