Florida Cup ‘Clasico Cafetero’ Recap: Atletico Nacional Beat Millonarios 3-2 in Fiery Preseason Encounter
Atletico and Millonarios fought hard for their points at Camping World Stadium Wednesday, July 28, 2021. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – In the final friendly game of the Florida Cup 2021, Camping World Stadium played host to one of the biggest clasicos in Colombia. The fans of both Atletico Nacional and Millonarios came out in droves to watch their hometown teams play in an unfamiliar setting. The change of scenery did little to curb the action of this game though. With five goals between both sides, there was plenty of action to cheer for. Ultimately, Atletico Nacional walked away with the win.
A Colombian Classic
Much like the sultry voice of Joe Arroyo or the musical musings of Carlos Vives; Atletico Nacional vs. Millonarios is a classic Colombian fixture. The rivalry between these two behemoths of the game always brings out the competitiveness of both sides. This encounter in Orlando was no different.
After a hiccup in the first five minutes, Jarlan Barrera opens the score sheet with a burst of pace that left Millonarios stuck in their tracks. Atletico Nacional showed a lot of promise as they exploded into open space often on the right-wing.
However, Millonarios were back on the offensive in no time. David Macalister Silva was the beneficiary of helpful deflections for both his goals. Nonetheless, the strikes converted into useful opportunities in front of the goal, and the score was 2-2 at 33 minutes. Although David Silva did enough to get Millonarios in the game with his brace, Atletico Nacional had a talisman of their own.
Uruguayan striker Jonathan Alvez had plenty to say in this encounter as well, responding adequately to David Silva’s strikes. The first goal was an advantageous moment as Millonarios failed to recoup the ball in their defensive half. Alvez ran straight through the penalty box, picked his corner of the net, and slotted it home with ease.
The second goal came by even simpler means. A lofted cross into the box left Alvez completely unmarked at the far post. After a simple reallocation dribble, he was able to put his right foot past the goalkeeper and give his team the deciding goal. The rest of the game would continue with a decent amount of drama as both sides implemented their reserves.
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Nicolas Vera is a sports reporter for Florida National News, part of the FNN News Network. | sports@floridanationalnews.com