Atlético Nacional secured a 3-0 victory over Deportivo Cali at the Estadio Atanasio Girardot to advance to the quarterfinals of the 2026 Copa BetPlay Dimayor, according to match reports. Played behind closed doors due to disciplinary sanctions, the single-elimination round saw the home side assert control early before sealing the result in the second half.
Early Breakthrough Sets the Tone for Nacional
Nacional established an early advantage when forward Alfredo Morelos found the net in the fourth minute, according to match coverage. The scoring sequence began when Edwin Cardona switched play toward the right flank, where Andrés Felipe Román received the ball and played a backward pass for Morelos. The striker struck a definitive shot past the Deportivo Cali goalkeeper to claim the opening goal.
Deportivo Cali attempted to mount an immediate response. Eduard Bello generated a clear scoring opportunity against his former club, but failed to capitalize on the chance to equalize, according to match reports. Nacional maintained defensive discipline through the remainder of the first half, absorbing pressure while keeping their 1-0 lead intact.
Second-Half Goals and Offside Controversy
Nacional extended their lead in the 56th minute. Andrés Sarmiento advanced down the right wing and delivered a cross into the penalty area, allowing Marlos Moreno to connect and drive the ball into the back of the net for a 2-0 advantage, as reported by Futbolred.
The match featured a contentious moment shortly after the second goal. In the 63rd minute, Sarmiento appeared to score Nacional’s third goal, but linesman Diego Urrego raised his flag for offside. Replays and on-field assessments indicated Sarmiento may have started in an onside position, but because the Copa BetPlay does not utilize the video assistant referee (VAR) system at this stage, the decision on the field stood, keeping Deportivo Cali mathematically alive in the tie.
Late Goal Cinch the Quarterfinal Berth
Deportivo Cali pressed for a late goal to alter the aggregate scoreline, yet failed to break down the host defense. Nacional managed the tempo through the closing stages before substitute Samuel Velásquez added a late goal to cap off the 3-0 scoreline, according to match summaries.
With the win, Atlético Nacional advances to the final eight of the domestic cup competition. The club’s next opponent in the quarterfinals will be determined by the upcoming fixture between Deportivo Pasto and Independiente Medellín, scheduled to play their decisive match.
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