In a thrilling encounter at the Atanasio Girardot, Atlético Nacional emerged victorious against Deportes Tolima with a scoreline of 4-2 on March 19, 2025. The match was part of the fifth matchday of the Liga BetPlay 2025 and showcased a series of exhilarating moments, including six goals and intense exchanges between both teams.
The match kicked off at 8:30 PM Colombian time, with Nacional quickly asserting dominance on their home turf. The excitement began early when captain Edwin Cardona scored a penalty just eight minutes into the game, giving Nacional a strong start. Despite the early setback, Tolima responded well, leveling the score at 1-1 thanks to Gonzalo Lencina’s goal in the 15th minute.
However, Nacional was not deterred and quickly regained their lead with two quick goals. First, Alfredo Morelos found the back of the net in the 23rd minute, followed shortly after by Dairon Asprilla’s goal in the 35th minute, making it 3-1. The match saw its back-and-forth nature continue, with Yhorman Hurtado scoring for Tolima in the 32nd minute, injecting further drama into the contest.
Andrés Román then capped off Nacional’s scoring in the first half with a well-executed goal in the 39th minute, leaving the score at 4-2 at the halftime break. The first half was filled with action, with Nacional capitalizing on their opportunities well. Coach Javier Gandolfi's side displayed excellent coordination and offensive flair, establishing their position at the top of the league.
Throughout the match, Nacional’s defensive efforts were tested, particularly after Tolima’s aggressive tactics aimed at equalizing. Despite conceding two goals, they maintained composure and pushed forward in the attack, showcasing their offensive depth.
The first half concluded with Nacional firmly in control, sending a clear message to their coaching staff and fans alike about their ambition to claim the top spot in the Liga BetPlay. With this victory, Atlético Nacional demonstrated their ability to perform under pressure and is now positioned well to contest for the championship.
As they head into the next fixtures, all eyes will be on Nacional as they secure the top position with a total of 20 points following their impressive win against Tolima.
Contrastingly, Deportivo Tolima, despite the loss, showed resilience and promise. Coach Ismael Rescalvo expressed hope for future matches, emphasizing the need to refine strategies moving forward to secure a playoff spot in the league. With only 13 points now, Tolima must regroup quickly to keep their aspirations alive.
As the season continues, it will be pivotal for both teams to adapt their play and strategies. For Nacional, the momentum appears strong, whereas Tolima faces crucial challenges ahead to reclaim their form and improve their standings.
The match, filled with drama and competitive spirit, stood as a reminder of the passionate nature of Colombian football. Fans witnessed a classic fixture, and the league continues to deliver match-ups that excite and engage.
