The first leg match of the Liga Postobon final between Deportivo Cali vs Atletico Nacional will be held this Wednesday, December 11, 2013 (5:30 PM Pacific) at the Estadio Olimpico Pascual Guerrero in Cali. Coming into these finals, Nacional is the favorite to win it as they look to win back to back championships. Cali will get the first home match as they are searching to win their 9th championship. Nacional, on the other hand, are looking to earn their 13th championship in the Colombian league.
Cali comes into these finals with an 8 year drought without a championship in the Liga Postobon. After dominating the cuadrangulares (playoffs), they will look to carry that momentum into the two legged final. Cali’s coach, Leonel Alvarez, has done a fantastic job with this defense. Cali’s defense has been dominant and he will need a strong defense in order to have a chance at beating Nacional in these finals.
Alvarez will face his former team (Nacional) in a final that will be filled with mixed emotions. Alvarez was part of the historic Nacional team that won the Copa Libertadores in 1989. The experienced goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon, will need to keep his team cool headed and focused; Mondragon has urged his team to play as if they have nothing to lose. Mondragon has pointed out that Nacional is the favorite, therefore, the pressure is on them to win. This means that his team, Cali, needs to just play with freedom and believes this will be what carries them over the top.
Nacional will look to keep their dominating form that they’ve continued to have throughout this year. After having a dominant 2013, they will look to cap the year off by winning back to back championships. Juan Carlos Osorio, who was once in the coaching hot seat, will now continue to build on his legend at this club by winning this championship. Jefferson Duque will be the key striker up-front to break this strong defense from Cali. He is the kind of player that can make a difference on his own, the defense from Cali will have their hands full containing him. Stefan Medina will be the anchor on the defensive side for Nacional; the talented defensive winger will look to contain the attack from Cali while also putting some pressure offensively.
Deportivo Cali vs Atletico Nacional – Prediction
Despite Nacional entering the finals as the favorite team, look for Cali to put on a tough fight. Cali will have the advantage in the first match by playing at home, but I don’t see them pulling out a victory out of this match. Expect to see Nacional take a minimal advantage back home. The Deportivo Cali vs Atletico Nacional match will end 0-1 in favor of Nacional.
Deportivo Cali vs Atletico Nacional – Television
The Deportivo Cali vs Atletico Nacional match will be televised this Wednesday, December 11, 2013 on Direct TV Channel 416, and Dish Network Channel 841; Game starts at 5:30 AM Pacific.
