São Paulo test Copa Libertadores dream in Medellín | OneFootball

São Paulo travel to Medellín to open their Copa Libertadores round of 16 tie against Atlético Nacional on Tuesday night, having topped Group D with a solid 14-point haul, according to Arquibancada Tricolor. The Brazilian side recorded four wins and two draws in the group stage, scoring 10 and conceding just four, a defensive record that manager Luis Zubeldía will want to see repeated away from home.

Atlético Nacional, São Paulo’s hosts, finished second in Group F with nine points, relying on three victories and none of their matches ending in draws. They netted seven times but allowed six, underlining a more open contest on their end – an element that may shape Tuesday’s encounter in Colombia.

Kickoff is scheduled for 21:30 (Brasília time) at Estadio Atanasio Girardot, a venue where the atmosphere has proven challenging for visiting sides in continental play. While both clubs are accustomed to high-stakes evenings, São Paulo will approach this tie keenly aware of the heightened importance of away goals and with an eye toward managing the moment rather than taking unnecessary risks in the opening leg.

Recent squad developments may influence São Paulo’s approach. Having maintained impressive consistency in the group phase, the club’s defensive organization should again revolve around a stable core, with Zubeldía expected to lean on regulars such as Arboleda and Alan Franco. The latter is coming off the back of a newly signed contract that secures his future at the club until 2028, offering timely continuity at a crucial juncture in the campaign.

Midfield and attacking options could see some adjustment as São Paulo adapt for a hostile away setting and a two-legged tie. With 10 goals scored in the previous round, the side has shown it can create opportunities but may temper their approach in pursuit of a controlled result to bring back to the MorumBIS for the second leg.

Atlético Nacional’s more turbulent group phase hints at defensive gaps São Paulo could exploit, but caution will likely take precedence in Medellín as both teams look to gain an early edge. The winner of this tie moves one step closer to South America’s most coveted prize, leaving little margin for error.

(Information from Arquibancada Tricolor)

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