The team’s form lingered as they entered a fourth straight league match without a win, and the pressure was visible on the standings. In this campaign, Atlético Nacional often finds its best performances in the Copa Libertadores, where the numbers tell a different story: six points from six possible, and five goals, all of them struck by Dorlan Pabón. That contrast between continental success and domestic struggle adds to the sense that the league campaign isn’t reflecting the true potential of the squad.
At the South Sports Center, Nacional did not look like a fearsome attacking unit, nor did it resemble a well-oiled machine. The attack carried the burden of being Dorlandependiente in practice, with two shots hitting the post and several clear-cut chances slipping through the cracks, particularly after halftime. The danger was real, and it required Kevin Mier to rescue the team from defeat after Perea conceded a penalty with ten minutes remaining, an error that could have decided the result on the night.
Discussing the team’s vulnerabilities means revisiting issues that have been evident for some time: a blunt attack that pours in crosses with limited accuracy, an overreliance on a single scorer, and a lack of a commanding aerial presence in and around the box. The link between defense and offense also appeared tenuous, as the side struggled to create and threaten a cohesive approach to the penalty area.
Yet there were flashes that offered a glimmer of relief. The match produced brief sparks rather than long stretches of dominance, moments that suggested growth is possible if the core issues are addressed. The afternoon in Envigado brought a moment of change with the substitution of Oscar Perea, which injected energy and tempo into the play. Brahian Palacios returned to the fold, adding another option for the midfield and forward lines. With players like Sergio Mosquera, Francisco Da Costa, Jarlan Barrera, and Ewil Murillo nearing full fitness, the depth and variety available to coach Autuori could enable a sharper, more dynamic approach as the calendar tightens across both leagues. The question remains whether this squad can translate those potential assets into consistent results as the season accelerates and the margins for error shrink in the league standings.
What lies ahead will demand both tactical clarity and a refreshed collective mindset. If the coaching staff can harness the renewed energy from the squad’s returning players and align the attacking lines with a more purposeful movement, there is a path to reviving the domestic form. The focus must be on sustained pressure, precise service into the box, and resilience in defense to avoid conceding needless opportunities that magnify the pressure from the table. As the league schedule compresses, every match offers a chance to reset, and Nacional will need to seize those chances to restore confidence and momentum across both fronts. The journey ahead is about converting sparks into steadier flame, turning brief uplifts into consistent performances, and proving that the depth and talent within the squad can translate into tangible results when it matters most. The outlook remains cautiously optimistic for a side that has shown it can compete at a high level, provided the pieces align and the energy is maintained throughout the full 90 minutes.
Cited from ongoing coverage of the competition and match analyses.