Lopez stars as Nacional cruises past Tolima
Nacional sealed a commanding home win over Deportes Tolima to climb to the top of Group B in the Copa Libertadores.
The first half was a scrappy affair with little to separate the two sides, and both teams cancelled each other out in midfield.
Tolima goalkeeper Neto Volpi was the busier of the two stoppers, making a sharp save from Luciano Boggio in the 14th minute.
Nacional grew into the match after the break, with Maxi Gomez breaking the deadlock on 48 minutes after ghosting on to the ball inside the box and slotting home.
Sebastian Coates headed home to make it 2-0 on 65 minutes after an initial effort from a corner was saved, before Tolima captain Bryan Rovira gave the Colombian side hope with a stunning direct free-kick in the 79th minute.
The comeback was shortlived, however, as Nicolas Lopez raced clear and finished with a sharp strike in the 87th minute to seal a 3-1 win.
Lopez contributed a goal and two assists, proving the difference on the night.
Nacional leads Group B with four points, while Tolima must regroup ahead of a home clash with Coquimbo Unido on 29 April (AEST).
