Macnelly Torres returns to Barranquilla

His quality has accustomed him to receiving praise from fans and rivals. All coaches want him. On the field, he is looked at with respect and on the street, they call him 'Mago'. But on Wednesday at the Metropolitano, it will burn when Macnelly Torres appears with the shirt of Atlético Nacional, to meet again with the Junior fans, who until a couple of months ago worshiped him.

A clash that goes beyond Mendoza-Rueda

The great attraction of the second leg of the Copa Águila round of 16 is the return of the '10' to his homeland, after his controversial departure from the Barranquilla team.

"In the end, it is the 'coach' who will determine the starting 11. But I am ready for this match. I know it will be a difficult environment for me because of what everyone knows," said the playmaker.

'Mac' knows perfectly well what awaits him. And he is more than ready to face his critics and to accept that from the Met, where he was applauded so many times, this time he will be booed.

"I have to be emotionally and mentally strong enough to perform in this match because the atmosphere will be a bit hostile for me," added Torres, who knows that he now belongs to the 'verdolaga' shirt and has to ignore what happens off the pitch.

The 'Mago' has given the green light and coach Reinaldo Rueda knows he has the most important player in his squad. A true professional. "I feel prepared for this. The most important thing is that if Nacional needs me for such a crucial match, I will be there," proclaimed one of the captains of the 'Rey de Copas'.

After debunking the alleged clause in his contract with Nacional that stated he would not play against Junior, Torres is now focused on the match against Alexis Mendoza's team (Wednesday 7:45 p.m.) and made it clear that he wants to be champion of this tournament.

"We are targeting this Copa for the international tournament. Almost all teams from the top division are still in the competition. So it's going to be very difficult. But the work we have been doing leads us to believe that we can fight for this title. And I think an important test is on Wednesday in Barranquilla," said the midfielder.

Atlético Nacional, unbeaten in the Liga Águila II-2015 with a clean sheet, defeated Atlético Junior 1-0 in the first leg with a goal from Jonathan Copete. At the Metropolitano, guided by their leader, they will go for a victory that secures their place in the quarterfinals of the Copa Águila.