Atlético Nacional secured a crucial victory in Pereira to kick off the Super League with momentum on their side.
Improvement was evident. The win signaled progress after two lackluster and unsettling performances that had fans worried, turning eyes toward the need for a sharper attack and more concrete chances. The previous outings against Águilas and Jaguares had raised questions about how the team approached goal-scoring as a fundamental objective, something that became clearer as this new result unfolded.
The shift in schedule and the incorporation of fresh names brought about a noticeable uplift. The squad looked more at ease, displayed greater dominance, and showed a sturdier defensive posture against Pereira, who found it hard to trouble the goalkeeper or unlock the defense of Mier. Autuori’s decisions appeared timely, favoring alternative ideas over stubborn sticking points and earning credit for steering the team toward a more adaptable approach.
A three-man defensive line performed well and offered a promising horizon for the backline, though Aguirre’s red card clouded the afternoon. In midfield, Román logged a solid showing and even sealed his performance with a goal. Banguero had fluctuations, while Goéz showed moments of clarity but also lapses, and Solís continued making meaningful strides in his development. Jarlan had stretches where he looked to create and, from the wings, aimed to disrupt the opposition’s rigidity in their setup. Duque struggled to find rhythm, and Da Costa, despite attempts to participate more, found himself isolated by a compact defense.
The squad also explored possibilities with Sebastián Gómez, John Duque, Nelson Palacio, and Jader, or Dorlan Pabón starting ahead of Jefferson, signaling a broader pool of options. The performance suggested strong potential for growth and evolution. After months of work, Autuori appears to have identified a plan that suits the current group, moving away from a rigid 4-3-3 that raised more questions than certainties. The focus now shifts to translating this momentum into a sustained title push in the weeks ahead, as the team aims to build consistency and sharpen collective execution.
The win in Pereira, seen through the lens of strategic experimentation and player development, reflects a broader trend toward stability in the squad. It is a sign that the coach is willing to adapt, rotate, and experiment to maximize the strengths of the roster while addressing gaps that appeared in prior displays. As the campaign unfolds, the club can expect continued evaluation of personnel and tactics, aiming to turn sporadic sparks into a steady flame that supports a serious title challenge. The journey toward championship form is ongoing, but this result adds a meaningful chapter to the season’s narrative and illustrates a path forward for the team to follow. Attribution: Goal.