On December 22, 2024, Efraín Juárez made history as the head coach of Atlético Nacional by leading the team to its 18th championship title, securing both the Liga and Copa titles this season.
Juárez's remarkable achievement came after only four months since he took over as coach. The final match was held at the Estadio Atanasio Girardot against Deportes Tolima, where Nacional triumphed with a decisive 2-0 victory, resulting in a 3-1 win on aggregate.
From the start, Atlético Nacional demonstrated their ambition and skill. Just six minutes in, Alfredo Morelos scored the first goal, igniting celebrations among the home crowd. This early lead set the tone for the match, as fans sang the anthem of support for their team, “...that with the Mexican, we will all turn around.”
Continuing to apply pressure, Atlético Nacional doubled their lead at the 31-minute mark when Andrés Román capitalized on defensive errors from Tolima, making it 2-0. The atmosphere at the stadium was electric, with fans cheering passionately for their team.
Despite the commanding lead, Tolima did not give up. They ramped up their efforts following halftime, creating several scoring opportunities. A key moment came at the 62nd minute when they were awarded a penalty kick. Yeison Guzmán stepped up but was thwarted by the experienced goalkeeper David Ospina, who deftly saved the shot, preserving Nacional's advantage.
Throughout the season, Efraín Juárez faced skepticism and criticism when he first arrived, but he quickly silenced doubts with his tactical prowess and positive results on the field. Winning both titles within just months has cemented his status as not only the coach who brought glory back to Atlético Nacional but also as a significant figure within Colombian football history.
This victory marks the third time any club has achieved the coveted double of Liga and Copa, joining the elite ranks alongside legendary coaches and clubs. Juárez's achievement places him alongside Juan Carlos Osorio, the only other coach to clinch both titles with Atlético Nacional, but Juárez accomplished it within a fraction of the time, providing hope for the club's future.
Atlético Nacional has solidified its dominance within Colombian soccer, extending its title count to 18, setting them apart from rivals like Millonarios, who now have 16 titles. This accomplishment not only boosts the club's confidence but also enhances their prospects for international competitions.
Fans of Nacional can look forward to 2025 with optimism. With Juárez at the helm, they have qualified for the Copa Libertadores, presenting the team with another opportunity to showcase their talents on the continental stage. Atlético Nacional, as the reigning champions of Colombian football, is now eyeing future championships and the possibility of participating in the World Cup.
Under Juárez's guidance, the team has turned the tides, capturing the imagination of fans and rewriting the history books of Colombian football. With leadership like his, fans hope this is merely the beginning of more success and unforgettable moments for Atlético Nacional.
From this day forward, Efraín Juárez's name will be etched alongside the greatest coaches, marking his tenure as one filled with remarkable accomplishments and aspirations for even greater heights.
