The second Antioquia derby of the semester will be played with a new coach for Nacional, as well as the possibility of qualification for Independiente Medellin. It will be on Saturday, October 14th at 6:10 PM.
Why it's important
Both teams can secure their place in the playoffs in advance. DIM is third with 29 points and the greens are fourth with 27. The winner will join Águilas as the first classified teams in the semifinals of Colombian football.
Nacional will have a new coach. John Bodmer will replace William Amaral as interim coach until December, and his first test will be on a special matchday.
"I have the conviction that we will build the idea that allows us to achieve our goals. I had the opportunity to share with some players in previous years and I am aware of the great talent that exists in Nacional," he said.
Players to watch
The defender Felipe Aguirre scored a goal with the green team in the defeat against Unión Magdalena in Santa Marta. He has established himself as the leader of the defense. In attack, the contribution of Jefferson Duque with 10 goals in 2023 is crucial.
In "El Poderoso," the good performances of Uruguayan defender Joaquín Varela in aerial play are repeated. Forward Luciano Pons returned to scoring at the right time. He scored in the 2-1 home victory against Huila in the previous matchday.
Form guide
Inconsistency in results is the constant for Nacional. It is difficult for them to chain two consecutive victories. They lost in the final minutes against Unión Magdalena and changed coaches for the remainder of the season. Nevertheless, they are fourth with 27 points.
Medellín quickly recovered from their elimination in the quarterfinals of the Copa Colombia against Cúcuta Deportivo. They are unbeaten in the league for five matches and a win will put them in the playoffs.
Previous meeting
It was a 1-0 victory for Medellín with a goal by Diego Moreno in the 87th minute on matchday 10, September 9th.
When
Nacional will be the home team on Saturday, October 14th at 6:10 PM at the Atanasio Girardot Stadium.