Apr 11, 2012

Atletico Nacional - Penarol

Copa Libertadores 2012, Group Stage

Two different motivations for this match. Atletico Nacional can seal their qualification with a win today (even with a draw), and also take a great opportunity to win the group, while Penarol, regardless of how they do in the last two rounds, are already eliminated from the competition, having just 1 point in 4 rounds. So there are totally different moods for these teams. Then, there is also the squad issue: some players of Penarol are injured, while others will be rested in order to have them fresh for the closing stages of the league. In total, 6 players that can be considered regulars have been left in Montevideo, including: the goalkeeper Carini, Zalayeta, Estoyanoff and Dario Rodriguez. And if we keep in mind that coach Da Silva said this match is an extra-match (one that doesn't fit in their schedule anymore), it's clear there isn't too much motivation or hope for the team. Atletico is going through a bad moment in the local league, but that hasn't put a dent in their Libertadores run... They showed great moments in this competition, being still undefeated and having 12 goals scored in 4 games. In the league, they are on a 7 match run without a win, but as I said, here they should have a different motivation, and a full team is expected, including striker Pabon, who returns from an injury. The handicap is set about right, but if Nacional returns to their regular Libertadores form, they should have no problem with a 'damaged' Penarol. GL!

Atletico (-1 AH) @ 2.02, 4/10
Result: 3-0, WON

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