On May 8, 2025, Atlético Nacional faced off against Internacional de Porto Alegre in a crucial match for the Copa Libertadores at the Atanasio Girardot stadium. The stakes were high for the Colombian side, who were seeking to secure their place in the knockout stages of the tournament. The game was marked by intense emotions, dramatic goals, and a controversial moment that quickly became the talk of social media.
Atlético Nacional, under the guidance of coach Javier Gandolfi, came into the match needing a win to boost their chances of advancing from Group F. They had struggled in previous matches, sitting at the bottom of the group with just three points. However, the team showed determination from the outset, with a lineup that included star goalkeeper David Ospina and the returning Marino Hinestroza, who had missed the last match due to suspension.
The match kicked off with both teams eager to assert their dominance. Atlético Nacional controlled possession early on, but it was Internacional who had the first real opportunity, with shots from Wesley and Lucca that were saved by the experienced Ospina. As the first half progressed, Nacional began to find their rhythm, and their persistence paid off in the 39th minute.
Kevin Viveros, who had been given the starting role as the main striker, received a well-placed cross from Camilo Cándido. With a deft touch, Viveros controlled the ball and unleashed a powerful left-footed shot that left Internacional's goalkeeper Anthoni with no chance. The goal sparked celebrations among the home fans, as Atlético Nacional took a 1-0 lead.
However, the moment was overshadowed by a controversial outburst from Hinestroza, who was caught on camera shouting, "¡Aquí no, aquí no hpta!" in a fit of passion after the goal. This reaction divided opinions on social media, with some fans praising it as a display of commitment and others condemning it as inappropriate behavior. Hinestroza, known for his fiery temperament, seemed to channel the intensity of the moment, particularly given his previous expulsion in the last encounter against Internacional in Brazil.
The second half began with Nacional looking to capitalize on their momentum. Just ten minutes in, in the 55th minute, Hinestroza played a crucial role in doubling the lead. He assisted Billy Arce, who fired a shot that found the back of the net, making it 2-0. The home crowd erupted in cheers, sensing that their team was on the verge of a vital victory.
Internacional, however, was not ready to back down. They fought back and were awarded a penalty in the 80th minute after a foul by Cándido on Braian Aguirre. Alan Patrick stepped up to take the penalty and converted it, narrowing the gap to 2-1. This goal reignited hope for the Brazilian side, who pressed forward in search of an equalizer.
Despite their efforts, Atlético Nacional held firm, and in the dying moments of the match, Viveros struck again. In the 93rd minute, he scored his second goal of the night, sealing a 3-1 victory for Nacional. This late goal not only secured the win but also propelled Atlético Nacional into the second position in Group F, with six points, just behind Bahia.
The match statistics reflected a closely contested game, with Atlético Nacional holding 55% possession compared to Internacional's 45%. Nacional managed only one shot on target, but they made it count, while Internacional had six attempts on goal. The match also saw ten fouls committed by Nacional and eleven by Internacional, highlighting the physical nature of the encounter.
As the final whistle blew, the atmosphere in the stadium was electric. Fans celebrated the much-needed victory, but the controversy surrounding Hinestroza's outburst lingered. Some supporters defended his passion as a sign of dedication, while others worried about his emotional control on the field. The incident sparked discussions about the pressures athletes face in high-stakes situations, especially in prestigious tournaments like the Copa Libertadores.
Looking ahead, Atlético Nacional will host Bahia next Wednesday, May 14, 2025, in what promises to be another critical match in their quest for advancement in the tournament. Meanwhile, Internacional will travel to face Nacional de Montevideo the following day, hoping to bounce back from this setback.
In a tournament filled with drama and high stakes, this match between Atlético Nacional and Internacional will be remembered not just for the goals and the victory, but also for the emotional rollercoaster experienced by players and fans alike. As the Copa Libertadores progresses, teams will continue to battle fiercely for a place in the knockout stages, and the passion displayed by players like Marino Hinestroza will undoubtedly be a recurring theme.
