He leads Group H by two points ahead of Olimpia with three days left in the stage.
The Libertadores Cup 2023 features a standout performance from one of the strongest teams inside National Athletics, continuing to push through the group phase with an undefeated run that positions them strongly for the round of 16. This momentum signals a clear path forward for a team that has shown resilience and consistent form as the group action unfolds, setting up an exciting narrative for fans and analysts alike.
The green squad has already faced all three opponents in the group, collecting two wins against Patronato and Melgar, and earning a draw with Olimpia. Those results have translated into seven points and a goal difference of plus three, a tally that keeps the overall standings tight and heightens the importance of every upcoming fixture. The team’s performances to this point underline their ability to control matches and convert chances, while the balance of results keeps the qualification race highly competitive as the group moves toward its conclusion.
The Atlético Nacional group in the Copa Libertadores 2023: rivals, calendar, fixtures, results and standings
How many points does Atlético Nacional need to qualify for the Copa Libertadores?
With three days to finish the stage, Verdolaga’s mathematics are straightforward and tightly aligned with their objective of advancing to the round of 16. The coaching staff and players remain focused on continuing their solid run, guided by the practical need to maximize points when it matters most and to secure a favorable position in the group table as the campaign progresses.
The squad under Paulo Autuori still has to travel to Melgar (May 24) and Olimpia (June 8), before closing at home against Patronato (June 27). In these three fixtures, the club must collect at least three points from nine possible to keep the dream alive, balancing defensive discipline with attacking efficiency to maximize goal difference and maintain control of their fate in the standings.
Even on the fourth date, if the Peruvian side Melgar is defeated in Arequipa and Olimpia also defeats Patronato in Paraná, Atlético Nacional would secure a seed for the round of 16 regardless of the outcomes of the final two dates. This scenario emphasizes the importance of results outside the direct control of Verdolaga and how critical the early results can be in determining the final positioning.
Of course, the Antioqueños will aim to finish first in the group to host the round of 16 matchups after the draw scheduled for the week of July 21. A top-of-the-table finish would maximize home-field advantage and add an extra layer of security as the knockout stage begins, offering the team a comfortable staging ground and a supportive atmosphere to capitalize on the home-lift as the competition progresses.