Nacional Fights to Sustain Advantage, but Olimpia Surges Back in Critical Copa Action
Verde did lead twice, yet could not hold onto the advantage against Olimpia. The visitors seized the momentum when it mattered, and Nacional failed to lock in a decisive win on home soil, risking a late stumble in the quest for a spot in the knockout stages and a flawless run in the cup.
Compared with the previous two meetings, this game showcased a different Nacional. They lined up in a 4-4-2 that echoed the formation used to win the classic, signaling an intention to push for victory. The match was not perfectly fluid, yet the hosts carried a clear plan to attack. When the chances dried up, Dorlan Pabón stepped up to open the scoring and set the tone for what followed.
As Olimpia grew into the match after the break, the ball stayed with the Paraguayans and Nacional faced a turning point. It was the moment to recalibrate with changes from the sidelines. Alternatives available included Barrera, Da Costa, Palacios, Ángel, or Jader, all options to inject fresh tempo and pressure. The coach had signaled Da Costa and Jarlan just before Castro’s goal and then brought them back on alongside the lead to try and preserve the advantage.
That moment proved decisive. Nacional abandoned their drive and handed the ball back to Olimpia, who did not let the opportunity escape. The response from the coach appeared late and insufficient. Attempts were made, but the woodwork and other saves kept the scoreline in favor of the visitors, and three points slipped away at home.
The lingering question centers on the plan for Thursday. Nacional must also win against America, and the first-choice squad has already endured a heavy load from the recent clásico and tonight’s exhausting tempo. The expectation is that Paulo Autuori will craft a sharper and more effective approach in the next match, balancing fresh legs with a renewed tactical edge that can translate control into results.
Ultimately, the night underscored how crucial splitting the match into phases can be, how quickly momentum can shift, and how world-class teams compensate when a plan stalls. The focus now shifts to training ground adjustments, player management, and a tactical identity that can convert possession into decisive chances away from home and at home alike. The coaching staff will be watching closely as they prepare to gap-fill the gaps that appeared when the pace climbed and the ball repeatedly found the wrong feet. In the end, the objective remains simple: maximize the chances to advance by Thursday and restore confidence across the squad. (Goal)