Atlético Nacional celebrated its victory with pride on December 15, 2024, as they secured the Copa BetPlay title, marking a historic achievement under coach Efraín Juárez. This win not only solidified their reputation but also made Juárez the first Mexican coach to claim an official title in South America. The final, held at Estadio Pascual Guerrero in Cali, was intense and dramatic, with fans from América de Cali and Nacional eagerly anticipating the matchup.
The match kicked off with immediate intensity; just under a minute in, Edwin Cardona of América de Cali received a yellow card for a hard challenge, which was so severe it warranted review by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). This set the tone for the match, where América pressed hard but struggled to break through Nacional's defense.
Atlético Nacional’s players found ways to manage game nerves, guided by the leadership of their coach Juárez. Despite their tactical intent being stymied by Cali’s relentless efforts, the first half saw América dominating possession, particularly through the threatening plays of former players Duván Vergara and Marcos Mina. Yet, for all their possession, they struggled to convert chances, hindered by the vigilant goalkeeping of David Ospina, who kept his net safe and sound.
Ospina’s experience proved pivotal as Nacional navigated the first half with composure. The second half emulated the first; even though América maintained pressure and ball control, they continued walking away empty-handed against Nacional's solid performance. William Tesillo stood strong, reinforcing the defensive line, thereby diluting the attacking fervor of the rivals.
Hours after the victory, Daniela Ospina, the sister of goalkeeper David Ospina, shared heartwarming memories reminiscent of their late father, Hernán Ospina, illustrating how his passion for Atlético Nacional lives on in their family. On social media, she remarked, “Today, the sky is celebrating,” sharing how her father’s love for the team influenced their lives.
With the match winding down, tensions escalated when, at the 84-minute mark, fans threw fireworks onto the pitch, prompting chaos as players were forced to seek shelter for safety. This disruption marred what should have been solely celebratory moments. Despite the turmoil, the score remained at 0-0, with Atlético Nacional already holding the title thanks to their 3-1 aggregate lead from their earlier match.
Although the match didn’t produce any clear chances for Nacional, Juárez’s tactical framework succeeded beautifully, allowing his team to dictate the game’s flow. An emotional Duván Vergara, visibly distressed, was among players upset by the inability to finish the match as planned. The safety issues persisted, overshadowing the hard-fought game.
Finally, after what seemed like hours, the announcement came through: Atlético Nacional was crowned champions of the Copa BetPlay. Guerrero’s status as one of the most successful clubs was not just confirmed but extended, as they added this title to their extensive list of achievements.
While the celebrations began amid mixed feelings of joy and distress due to the match’s chaotic end, the prestige of the Copa victory reignited the club’s pride. Efraín Juárez and his players embraced their historic accomplishment, setting the stage for continued admiration and aspirations for future successes. This triumph resonates not only as a victory for the team but as embodiment of resilience against the odds they faced throughout the season.
Meanwhile, Harlan's victory served as poignant reminder of both the highs and lows found within the beautiful game, as the brief interruptions of joy lingered on the players’ hearts. The day of victories at Estadio Pascual Guerrero transformed quickly from celebration to cautionary tale, but for Nacional’s followers, the beauty of futbol remained undeniable.
The collective successes, personal tributes, and the undeniable prowess demonstrated on the field over the season encapsulated the spirit of Atlético Nacional, and with it came the hope for many more such moments to cherish.
