The draw for the Preliminary Phase of the 2026 CONMEBOL Sudamericana has fulfilled the wish of thousands of fans: Atlético Nacional and Millonarios will face off in a single-match duel at the Atanasi...
The draw for the Preliminary Phase of the 2026 CONMEBOL Sudamericana has fulfilled the wish of thousands of fans: Atlético Nacional and Millonarios will face off in a single-match duel at the Atanasio Girardot Stadium during the first week of March. This national clash will determine which of the two Colombian giants will advance to the coveted Group Stage of the continental tournament.
The Memory of 2007: An Unforgettable Clash
This will be the second time both teams meet in "The Great Conquest." The only previous encounter dates back to the 2007 edition, a series that left a deep mark on Colombian football history. On that occasion, the "Embajador" team struck in Medellín by winning 2-3, with a stellar performance by Ricardo Ciciliano, who scored a double (including a spectacular volley) against a very young David Ospina.
That match also featured stars like Víctor Hugo Aristizábal, who scored for the "Verdolaga," and Jonathan Estrada for the blues. In the return match in Bogotá, Millonarios showed their prowess by keeping a clean sheet and securing their qualification to the round of 16.
Present and International Expectations
Nineteen years after that clash, the reality finds both clubs with the urgency to solidify their international projects. For Atlético Nacional, playing at home in front of their fans is a must-win situation, while Millonarios seeks to repeat the 2007 feat to demonstrate their growth under their current processes.
The Atanasio Girardot will be the stage for a tactical and emotional battle that will captivate the football-loving nation, where only one can continue dreaming of continental glory in 2026.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.
📸 RAUL ARBOLEDA
Category: General Sports
