Atlético Nacional Sets the Table For Fluminense.

By: Mauro | April 30th, 2008

Corporación Deportiva Atlético Nacional vs. Fluminense Football Club (Estadio Atanasio Girardot, Medellin, Colombia)
LIVE @ 12:00am PST, Thursday May 1st, on Fox Sports Español.

Two time champions in Colombia, Atlético Nacional host Fluminense in the last match of the night (Phew! Between Champs League and Copa Libertadores, this has been a big footballing day).

The Colombian side qualified for the knock-out stages with a squeak. In fact, because Audax Italiano’s hopes of qualifying were killed in Paraguay by Sportivo Luqueño. Nacional’s stadium has hardly been a fortress. They gave up points against Sao Paulo at home and again to Audax Italiano. But coming off a big win in Colombia versus América de Cali, Nacional have a great outlook ahead of tonight’s match.

Look for the same side that was on the pitch against América to take the pitch tonight. No reason to not ride the wave all the way into this match. Looks like Sergio Galvan Rey will not be starting tonight. Look to Carlos Villagra to pair up with Francisco Arrué to make some trouble for the Fluminense defense.

With their participation in the regional tournament of Rio de Janeiro over, the Brazilians, have just this competition left to play for so they’ll have the fresher legs. They arrived in Medellín just yesterday and look to take away at least a draw from tonight’s match. Look for Darío Conca, Thiago Neves, Washington and Cicero to complicate things for Atlético Nacional.

Bottom Line: This is the only tie where there seems to be a clear favorite. Fluminense have it all at their disposal. Atlético Nacional will attempt to keep them at bay but like I said earlier, they have hardly been a force at home. My pick: 3-1 to Fluminense. While I type this, Flamengo have already taken the match from América on the road and I look for Fluminense to do the same here later tonight.

Check the CONMEBOL website for results, stats and upcoming matches.