An express duel had to be faced by Atlético Nacional to the elimination of the Copa Águila. The first dose of glory of the semester slipped away and now they will have to redeem themselves, positioning themselves as candidates for the Liga II-2015 title.
The Closing Tournament is going well for Atlético Nacional. They come from winning 2-0 against Atlético Huila, they are undefeated, haven't received any goals in this tournament and are currently third in the table. Everything will depend on the team's emotional recovery in the game against Envigado this Sunday (5:00 p.m.) at the Atanasio Girardot stadium.
"It was a tough blow considering the expectations. The goal was to win the Copa. We have to assimilate it quickly because of the upcoming demands. We talked about it with the group. Each one has to take responsibility and think about the competition ahead," said the coach.
Now, the Verdolaga squad must rearrange their objectives for this semester. The first goal is to qualify for an international tournament. "We can achieve it indirectly if we have a good campaign," said Rueda, emphasizing that "the Liga title is the illusion we all have."
To achieve these aspirations, they must continue to perform well in the Liga and overcome the challenge against Juan Carlos Sánchez's team in the fourth match. "Envigado is a well-structured team, with a lot of character and organization. They have great tactical application and aggressiveness. It will be a super intense match," said the coach.
For this game, Nacional will have to deal with the absences of Óscar Murillo and Luis Carlos Ruiz due to a viral infection, as well as the delicate injury of Jonathan Copete, who will be out for two months due to a double jaw fracture.
As replacements, Alexis Henríquez, Jéfferson Duque, and Venezuelan Alejandro Guerra, who has not yet debuted in the Rueda era, could play. 'Manga' Escobar is also an option to cover Copete's absence. And although Jairo Palomino is already training with the group, the coaching staff decided not to include him in the squad and take it slow.
Possible Lineup
Nacional: Franco Armani; Daniel Bocanegra, Francisco Nájera, Alexis Henríquez, Farid Díaz; Alexánder Mejía, Alejandro Bernal; Orlando Berrío, Macnelly Torres, Alejandro Guerra; Jéfferson Duque. Coach: Reinaldo Rueda.