In a crucial clash in the Liga BetPlay, Atlético Nacional faced Unión Magdalena on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the Atanasio Girardot stadium in Medellín. The match was pivotal for both teams, with Nacional looking to secure a spot in the semifinals and Unión fighting to avoid relegation.
Kickoff was set for 2:00 p.m., and the atmosphere in the stadium was electric as fans filled the stands, eager to see their team perform. Nacional, coming off a resounding 3-0 victory against Nacional of Uruguay in the Copa Libertadores, was determined to translate that momentum into the local league.
However, the team faced several significant absences, including Juan Manuel Zapata, who was suspended, and key players like Andrés Román, Felipe Aguirre, and Alfredo Morelos, who were sidelined due to technical decisions. Injuries also plagued the squad, with Matheus Uribe, Sebastián Guzmán, and Juan Pablo Torres unable to participate. Despite these setbacks, the coaching staff led by Javier Gandolfi was optimistic about fielding a competitive lineup.
Entering the match, Atlético Nacional was positioned fifth in the league table with 21 points, knowing that a win was essential to keep their semifinal hopes alive. On the other hand, Unión Magdalena was struggling at the bottom of the table, sitting second to last with only five points from five draws and six defeats. The pressure was on for the samarios to secure their first victory of the season.
The match commenced with Nacional dominating possession early on. Despite their control of the game, they struggled to find the back of the net. By the end of the first half, the score remained 0-0, with both teams unable to capitalize on their chances. The fourth official announced three minutes of added time, but neither side could break the deadlock.
During the first half, Jorman Campuzano of Nacional received a yellow card for dangerous play, highlighting the physical nature of the match. The referee, Andrés Rojas, a FIFA official, was tasked with maintaining order on the pitch. Rojas had previously officiated 38 matches involving Nacional, with a favorable record of 26 wins, 6 draws, and 6 losses for the team.
As the second half began, the tension in the stadium grew palpable. Nacional needed to convert their possession into goals to avoid dropping points at home. The coaching staff urged the players to capitalize on their opportunities and maintain pressure on Unión's defense.
Unión Magdalena, under the guidance of coach Alexis García, was determined to exploit Nacional's vulnerabilities, especially given the latter's injury woes. The samarios had previously achieved a surprising 2-1 victory over Nacional in October 2024, and they aimed to replicate that success.
Historically, the matchup between these two teams has been competitive, with Nacional winning 85 of the 180 encounters, while Unión has claimed 50 victories. The last five matches saw Nacional winning three, drawing one, and losing one, indicating a slight edge for the verdolagas.
As the second half progressed, Nacional intensified their offensive efforts. Dairon Asprilla, a key player for Nacional, took several shots from distance, but Unión's goalkeeper, Esteban, was up to the task, making crucial saves to keep his team in the game. The home side's frustration grew as they continued to dominate possession without finding a breakthrough.
With each passing minute, the urgency for Nacional to score became more apparent. Fans were on the edge of their seats as the team pushed forward, seeking to capitalize on any defensive lapses from Unión. Edwin Cardona, a standout player for Nacional, orchestrated several attacking plays, but the final touch eluded his teammates.
Unión, meanwhile, attempted to counterattack whenever possible, looking to catch Nacional off guard. However, their efforts were met with a resolute defense that had been bolstered by Nacional's need for a win. The samarios had to be cautious, as conceding a goal would further complicate their already dire situation in the league.
As the clock ticked down, Nacional's frustration mounted. They had numerous corner kicks and free-kick opportunities, but the final execution was lacking. The match continued to unfold with both teams struggling to find the decisive goal. Fans were left wondering if Nacional could break through or if Unión would hold on for a draw.
In the closing minutes, Nacional made a series of substitutions in an attempt to inject fresh energy into the squad. The coaching staff hoped that the new players could provide the spark needed to secure a much-needed victory. As the match neared its conclusion, tensions rose on the field, with players from both sides showing signs of fatigue and determination.
Ultimately, the match ended in a stalemate, with Atlético Nacional and Unión Magdalena finishing the first half at 0-0. The second half promised to be just as thrilling, with both teams needing points for different reasons. Nacional aimed to solidify their position in the league, while Unión desperately sought to escape the relegation zone.
As the players exited the field for halftime, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation for the second half. Fans remained hopeful that Nacional could find their scoring touch and secure a crucial three points to keep their championship aspirations alive.
This match was not just about points; it was a battle for pride and survival in the competitive landscape of Colombian football. With the stakes high, both teams knew they had to bring their best to the pitch in the second half.
