💪Road to the final: Nacional plot strategy to host Tolima | OneFootball

After three years away from the final stage of Colombian football, Atlético Nacional is one step away from returning to the grand final. This Saturday at 6:00 p.m., the Antioquia side will host Deportes Tolima at Atanasio Girardot Stadium to decide the second leg of the 2026-I BetPlay League semifinals.

The plan in Guarne and a key absence

Diego Arias’s side lead the series 1-0 thanks to a goal from Alfredo Morelos, who will once again spearhead the attack. However, the Antioquia manager faces a tactical puzzle after Cristian "Chicho" Arango was sent off and handed a one-match suspension by Dimayor. To make up for this absence, training sessions at the club’s Guarne base have focused on sharpening their finishing and building a high-pressing block to suffocate the opponent.

Making the most of the visitors’ fatigue

The outlook favors the "King of Cups." Tolima arrive affected by physical fatigue after a 3-0 loss to Coquimbo Unido in the Copa Libertadores and will also be without defender Ánderson Angulo due to suspension. Arias will look to capitalize on this advantage by setting the tone from the opening whistle: "We want to be aggressive at home, press high to win the ball back quickly, and put the tie to bed," the coach said.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

📸 JAIME SALDARRIAGA - AFP or licensors