Atlético Nacional secured a crucial 3-1 victory over Internacional de Porto Alegre in a thrilling Copa Libertadores match held on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at the Atanasio Girardot stadium in Medellín, Colombia. With this win, Nacional revitalized their campaign in Group F, moving closer to securing a spot in the knockout stages of the tournament.
The match began with both teams eager to assert their dominance. Nacional, coming off a disappointing 0-1 loss to Bahía in their previous match, needed a win to keep their hopes alive in the competition. The pressure was palpable as the home fans rallied behind their team, creating an electric atmosphere in the stadium.
Kevin Viveros emerged as the star of the night, scoring two goals that set the tone for Nacional's performance. His first goal came in the 45th minute, just before the halftime whistle, when he connected with a cross from Camilo Cándido. Viveros skillfully maneuvered past his defender and struck a well-placed shot into the bottom left corner, giving Nacional a 1-0 lead.
As the second half unfolded, Nacional continued to press forward, and their efforts paid off when Billy Arce doubled the lead in the 70th minute. After a brilliant play initiated by Marino Hinestroza, Arce found himself in a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper and calmly slotted the ball home, making it 2-0.
Internacional, however, refused to back down. They managed to pull one back in the 80th minute when Alan Patrick converted a penalty after a VAR review determined that a foul had occurred in the box. Despite the setback, Nacional maintained their composure and continued to create chances.
In a dramatic finish, Viveros sealed the victory in stoppage time, scoring his second goal of the match and ensuring that the three points remained in Medellín. His late goal came after he received a pass inside the area, evaded a defender, and fired a shot past the Internacional goalkeeper, Antoni.
"The team showed great character tonight. We needed this win to stay in the race for the next round, and we delivered," Viveros said after the match, expressing his satisfaction with the team's performance.
Marino Hinestroza was also pivotal for Nacional, providing crucial assists and being named the Figure AS of the match. His relentless energy on the wing kept the Internacional defense on their toes throughout the evening.
Despite the loss, Internacional had moments of promise, particularly in the first half when they struggled to find their rhythm. Coach Roger Machado's side had previously drawn 3-3 against Nacional in their earlier meeting and was looking to secure a win to strengthen their position in the group.
In terms of discipline, the match saw several yellow cards, with Andrés Román and Billy Arce receiving cautions for Nacional, while Thiago Maia was booked for Internacional. The referee, Facundo Tello, faced some challenges during the match, including issues with his intercom, leading to a brief delay in the second half.
As the final whistle blew, Atlético Nacional celebrated a much-needed victory, reviving their hopes of advancing in the tournament. With this win, they moved to six points in Group F, closing the gap on Internacional, who remain on five points.
Looking ahead, Nacional will need to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next fixtures. The victory not only boosts their confidence but also solidifies their position as contenders in the Copa Libertadores.
The match showcased the resilience and determination of Atlético Nacional, proving that they are a force to be reckoned with in this year’s competition. With players like Viveros and Hinestroza leading the charge, fans can expect more thrilling performances as the tournament progresses.
