The 2025 Copa Libertadores kicked off this week for Colombian clubs Atletico Bucaramanga and Atletico Nacional. Last Wednesday, Bucaramanga played their first Copa Libertadores match in 27 years, earning a 3-3 draw against Chilean giants Colo-Colo.
Atletico Nacional, a two-time champion of the competition, will make their debut yesterday in Medellin against Nacional from Montevideo, winning 3-0. Nacional is now aiming to make history by securing a third Copa Libertadores title, an achievement accomplished by only 14 teams.
Colombian club Atletico Bucaramanga play their first Copa Libertadores game in 27 years
Atletico Bucaramanga made their debut in South America’s premier football competition at their home stadium, Americo Montanini. The game was thrilling, as the “leopards” had a quick start and scored two goals by Londoño and Pons in the first thirty minutes of the game. Colo Colo drew one back before half time through a penalty scored by correa.
Bucaramanga started the second half well, as Henao scored a thunderous header to put the hosts 3-1 ahead in the 57th minute of the game. Ultimately, Bucaramanga’s lack of experience in this type of game was evident, as the hosts could not hold their advantage. A goal from Isla in the 63rd minute and another goal from Correa in the 84th minute leveled the game, which finished 3-3.
The leopards will now have to visit Copa Sudamericana champions Racing de Avellaneda in Argentina and host Brazilian side Fortaleza. They will then visit Colo Colo, host Racing at the Montanini, and will end the group stage by playing away at Fortaleza.
Atletico Nacional kicks off the search for ‘la tercera’ against Nacional de Uruguay
Colombian champions Atletico Nacional de Medellin made their Libertadores debut at the Atanasio Girardot stadium yesterday. The Colombian club crushed their Uruguay opponents 3-0, with goals by Hinestroza, Viveros and Morelos.
The Medellin hopes to make a strong campaign in the competition, as they were drawn into one of the toughest groups in the tournament.
Atletico Nacional will next visit Internacional de Porto Alegre in Brazil. They will play against another Brazilian side, Bahia, to end the first round of the group stages.