Verdolaga again proved effective against the Eagles and continues to lead a portion of Group B. The team clinched another important win, scoring through its trusted star Dorlan Pabón, and then controlled the pace for most of the match. In the second half, the momentum remained with the Dorado side as they defended stubbornly and stretched the clock, yet the hosts found themselves unable to convert their chances, ultimately falling short and exiting the Quadrangular race.
Holding possession well beyond seventy percent, Verdolaga could not translate that dominance into an adequate points haul for the All Against All standings. Nacional remained lethal in front of goal across the two games, while the Greens squandered several opportunities, particularly in front of goal at the feet of Perea. Ant stood out as another key performer, creating opportunities and offering a spark in a match that demanded decisive play from the visitors.
The overall attack showed recurring issues: gaps in execution, lingering doubts, and moments of nervous play that contrasted with a defense that, despite receiving heavy pressure, steadied itself thanks to the reassuring performances of Aguirre and Zapata. The backline held firm when it mattered, resisting repeated advances and maintaining a steadier line as the clock ticked down.
With six points from six against the tournament’s strongest side in the opening stage and eight points in the group, Verdolaga kept up the pressure on Alianza Petrolera as they prepared to face Pasto. The upcoming clash in Barrancabermeja was set to be another critical test of attitude for coach Autori’s squad, a reminder that the clarity and effectiveness seen earlier might not fully reemerge without resolve. Still, semifinals are a different battlefield where results can defy expectations, and anything remains possible as the campaign moves forward.
The match underscored a clear truth: Verdolaga’s resilience and strategic discipline remain crucial assets as they navigate a demanding group stage. The team appeared committed to extracting every ounce of effort across the minutes, balancing containment with controlled aggression. In a tournament where margins are slim, maintaining such focus often proves the difference maker as teams jostle for position, search for momentum, and push toward the coveted semifinal stage.