Medellín and Atlético Nacional meet Sunday in a Liga BetPlay Torneo Apertura match with distinct objectives. The rivalry game takes place at Atanasio Girardot stadium.
Independiente Medellín needs points to secure a spot in the semifinal cuadrangulares. The team enters the match fifth in the league standings with 28 points. A victory would guarantee their progression to the next phase of the competition.
The Poderoso has a recent positive record against their city rival. Independiente Medellín has not lost at home to Atlético Nacional since April 29, 2023.
Medellín holds a seven-match unbeaten streak against Atlético Nacional in the Clasico antioqueño, recording three wins and three draws. The last three meetings ended tied.
Atlético Nacional is already classified for the cuadrangulares. The team seeks a higher position in the standings to earn the "punto invisible," an advantage in the semifinals.
Coach Javier Gandolfi's side also wants to end their winless run against Medellín in the regular season league. They did defeat Medellín 2-0 in the Copa Colombia semifinals last season.
Nacional faces potential squad decisions due to a Conmebol Libertadores match scheduled for the following week against Internacional. The team also has several players recovering from injury.
Midfielder Juan Manuel Zapata is out with a right adductor injury requiring 4-6 weeks of recovery. Defender Joan Castro has a biceps femoral issue and is expected to miss 10 days. Marino Hinestroza is recovering from an illness but could rejoin training soon.
For Medellín, striker Luis 'El Chino' Sandoval is suspended for two matches after receiving a red card in a previous game. Midfielder Baldomero Perlaza is also uncertain after suffering a muscle issue in his last outing, though his recovery shows progress.
Defender Daniel Londoño is available for Medellín after serving a one-match suspension for accumulating yellow cards.
Medellín coach Alejandro Restrepo commented on Sandoval's absence: "El Chino is an important player, good, who understands the game. He will be missed. The most important thing is that we take advantage of the players who are available. When a player gets injured, it is unfortunate... but it opens the option for a teammate who is recovering to give us other characteristics. Hopefully whoever replaces him helps us have a very complete team."
