Atlético Nacional faces Once Caldas on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. local time at the Estadio Atanasio Girardot in Medellín, with live television coverage provided on Win Sports+. Nacional enters the match already holding the top spot in the Liga BetPlay standings with 39 points, guaranteeing the team a spot in the semifinal quadrangulars and the strategic “point invisible” advantage.
Securing the top spot despite recent form
Atlético Nacional has already locked up first place in the todos contra todos phase with 39 points, earning the team a crucial sporting advantage for the semifinal quadrangulars, Win Sports reported. Alongside that top finish, the club has secured a berth in the preliminary phase of the Copa Libertadores. Yet, the team’s recent performances have raised questions among supporters and analysts alike.
El Colombiano reported that the squad enters the fixture following a 1-1 draw against Once Caldas in the Copa BetPlay semifinals on Tuesday, November 11, at the Estadio Palogrande. While manager Lucas González’s side avoided defeat in recent outings, including a win over Deportivo Pereira, the collective fluidity and offensive construction have dipped compared to earlier in the tournament.
Once Caldas fights for qualification
While Nacional rests easy with its qualification secured, Once Caldas arrives in Medellín facing a high-stakes scenario. The manizaleño club sits eighth in the table with 27 points heading into the final matchday of the regular phase. A victory guarantees Once Caldas a place among the top eight teams advancing to the next round, while a draw leaves their postseason fate dependent on results elsewhere.
The visiting side brings a disciplined and effective tactical profile to the Atanasio Girardot. González noted after their previous cup meeting that Once Caldas defends compactly and transitions quickly into counterattacks, qualities that explain why they have conceded so few goals this campaign.
Eight players miss regular phase due to international call-ups
Atlético Nacional must navigate the final stretch of the regular phase without several key contributors due to international commitments. González explained to Noticias Caracol that the club is missing eight professional players across various national team categories.
“Tenemos cinco jugadores con la selección sub-17, tenemos dos jugadores y nuestro tercer lateral con la selección sub-20; y después tenemos a dos jugadores con la selección mayor,” González told Noticias Caracol, acknowledging that the triple call-up limits his tactical options for rotation.
NAL 🆚 ONC |⏱️| 58' | 1-1 | Dos cambios en Atlético Nacional.#MinutoAMinutoVerdolaga🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/552XtmAjrf
James Rodríguez reflects on his milestone goal
The fixture arrives shortly after midfielder James Rodríguez netted his first official goal for Atlético Nacional during the Copa BetPlay semifinal first leg against Once Caldas. Late in the match, Rodríguez chested down a long ball from William Tesillo inside the area and finished with his left foot past goalkeeper Joan Parra, Semana reported.
“Feliz. Siempre el primer gol cuando estás en un club es lindo y más con este club que es tan grande. Espero que vengan muchos más,” Rodríguez told club media, as Semana reported.
The build-up to the goal involved 21 passes before the final delivery. Rodríguez admitted he was unaware of the extensive sequence until seeing the footage shortly after the match.
“Me mostraron justo hace 10 minutos. No pensé que habían sido tantos toques, eso quiere decir que hemos hecho cosas buenas,” Rodríguez told Revista Semana.
Win Sports+ broadcasts Sunday match in Medellín
The Liga BetPlay encounter kicks off at 3:30 p.m. local time (UTC-5) on Sunday at the Estadio Atanasio Girardot in Medellín. Live television and online streaming are available through Win Sports+.
