Nacional beat Atlético Nacional 1-0 on Wednesday in the final match of Group F in the Copa Libertadores, in a game that left neither side fully satisfied. The Colombians did move on to the round of 16, but only as second place with 9 points, behind Internacional (11). Meanwhile, the Uruguayan side was knocked out, finishing last in the group with 7 points and missing even a spot in the Copa Sudamericana.

A win that wasn’t enough

The home team came into the match with four points and needed to win by at least two goals, plus hope Internacional beat Bahia by the minimum. Another scenario was winning by one and hoping the Porto Alegre team won by a bigger margin. The visitors, on the other hand, arrived as group leaders looking to lock in first place.

The first half, played at the Gran Parque Central, was mostly controlled by Atlético Nacional, who created several good chances but couldn’t convert. Billy Arce had a shot from a free kick that hit the wall, while Kevin Viveros and Dairon Asprilla also came close, only to be denied by the home defense and keeper Luis Mejía.

Late goal, early exit

In the second half, Pablo Peirano’s side came out with more intent, though they didn’t create much. The breakthrough came in the 88th minute when Christian Oliva scored the 1-0, giving Nacional a glimmer of hope. But the second goal they needed never came, and with Internacional beating Bahia 2-1, the Uruguayan side were officially out of all continental tournaments.

Despite the loss, Atlético Nacional still moved on to the round of 16, though they gave up the top spot. Javier Gandolfi’s squad will now face a tougher opponent in the next stage because of their final standing. It was an intense match, full of nervy moments for both teams. Nacional bow out with a win that wasn’t enough, while the Colombians celebrate moving on — even if it stings a bit to lose first place in such a tight group.