The Liga Betplay 2024 final culminates this Sunday with Atlético Nacional hosting Deportes Tolima at the Estadio Atanasio Girardot in Medellín, Colombia. With the teams tied at 1-1 after the first leg, each side aims to seize the championship title.
Atlético Nacional, led by coach Efraín Juárez, is vying for their 18th league title. The team is riding high after recently winning the Colombian Cup against América de Cali. Juárez has managed to orchestrate this surge amid early skepticism about his coaching experience. His tenure at Nacional has surprised many, as he has rapidly secured success.
"No hemos ganado nada," cautioned Juárez, acknowledging the challenge remains. He has emphasized the importance of the upcoming match, urging his players to focus on delivering joy to their supporters.
The team enters this final with the weight of history behind them, supported by home fans and the traditional advantage of playing at the Girardot, where they have historically performed well. This season, Nacional has faced only two losses, one being due to sanctions.
During the first leg, Nacional struck first with a goal from Dairon Asprilla, but the momentum shifted after Sebastián Guzmán was sent off. It was then when Tolima’s Gustavo Adrián Ramírez capitalized, leveling the score. Juárez expressed his dissatisfaction over the emotional responses following the match, particularly comments made by the opposing coach, David González.
González acknowledged the likelihood of Nacional being closer to the championship due to their tactical prowess and home crowd support. Still, he emphasized Tolima’s determination and willingness to fight until the final whistle.
For this decisive match, Juárez is likely to rely on his seasoned players, including goalkeeper David Ospina, who is pivotal to Nacional’s defensive strategy. Their lineup also features Alfredo Morelos, aiming to capitalize on any chances the defense gives him.
Conversely, Tolima’s lineup will be just as competitive, led by the threat posed by Gustavo Ramírez, who scored the equalizer last week. Coach González has indicated his squad is prepared for the challenge, ready to bring their best to the field.
"Lo normal es pensar que (Nacional) está más cerca del objetivo," González remarked, hinting at the psychological edge attributed to Nacional’s home ground advantage and recent performances. With no away goals rule and no extra time, this match can turn on the slightest mistake.
This match not only determines the Liga Betplay champion but also offers the winner direct qualification to the Copa Libertadores 2025, adding significant value to the outcome. The stakes have never been higher for both teams.
Television coverage will be less accessible this weekend, as the match will be streamed live on ViX Premium and available via app platforms for those eager to catch all the action. Fans can also follow minute-by-minute updates on social media and sports news channels.
The final promises to be emotionally charged, with dedicated supporters for both teams eager to see history made. Efraín Juárez has expressed hopes of achieving something monumental, already having made headlines as he urges his team forward.
Despite the doubts surrounding his appointment earlier this year, Juárez stands on the brink of potentially securing his second title as he leads Nacional against Tolima. With both teams evenly matched and so much on the line, fans and players alike are set for an unforgettable showdown as they take to the pitch this late afternoon.
Only time will tell whether Nacional can capitalize on their home advantage or if Tolima can upset the odds and snatch their fourth title. All is set for what guarantees to be an electrifying conclusion to the Colombian football season.
