Independiente Medellín (DIM) laid bare the significant shortcomings that Atlético Nacional currently faces. The green team, entering Sunday’s classic against the red team with intact possibilities to stay in the race for a spot in the Liga Betplay 2-2023 final, experienced a painful defeat at Parque Sur de Envigado, losing 0-5.
This resounding victory brought back memories of previous powerful performances by El Poderoso against their cross-town rivals and simultaneously confirmed the victor as one of the leading contenders for the championship.
Under the guidance of Alfredo Arias, DIM took a giant leap towards competing for the title, securing a commanding victory with goals from Brayan León (2), Edwin Cetre, Luciano Pons, and Diego Moreno. The team currently leads Group B with an impressive 12 points.
“If before I said that I respected the team we were facing, I have even more respect for them now after what happened. It is not easy to be in that situation and I would have liked to finish the match, but these are circumstances that we must improve as a society,” Alfredo Arias, coach of Independiente Medellín said.
This 0-5 defeat stands out among Independiente Medellín’s historic triumphs over Atlético Nacional, surpassing previous high-scoring victories: 5-1 on April 29, 1979; 4-1 on April 28, 1999; 5-1 on June 27, 2011, and 4-0 on two occasions, April 18, 1970, and February 18, 2001.
“In these circumstances, when things don’t go well, especially as they unfolded today – Sunday – you have to face it and take responsibility. I have never set up a team to lose or draw. I have to take responsibility, whatever the reason, from the squad to the lineup I selected, to the structure I used,” stated Nacional’s coach John Bodmer in a press conference.
Additionally, El Poderoso handed the Verdolaga team its fourth defeat. The last occurrences were on September 17, 2000 (1-2); February 18, 2001 (0-4); July 1, 2001 (2-1), and September 6, 2001 (4-3).
“In these circumstances, when things don’t go as planned, especially considering how they unfolded today – on Sunday – you have to face it and take responsibility. I have never set up a team with the intention of losing or drawing. I must accept the responsibility, whatever the reason may be, including the squad, the lineup I chose, and the structure I used,” Bodmer said.
Looking ahead, DIM will face América de Cali in their next match this Wednesday at 8:15 PM, riding high on the momentum of their recent triumph. The victory not only solidifies their position as a top contender but also leaves Atlético Nacional with a challenging path ahead to rectify their current form.
