Without Cardona: who will be Nacional’s surprise against Millonarios?
National Athletic will have a significant loss to face Millionaires in the single match of the preliminary phase of the Conmebol Sudamericanawhich will be played on March 4 at the Atanasio Girardot stadium. Edwin Cardona He will not be available due to the sanction he has carried since last year’s Conmebol Libertadores, when he was sent off against Sao Paulo.
The Verdolaga coaching staff It is already clear who could take on that role.. The youth Juan Manuel Rengifo It emerges as the main alternative and could be one of the keys to overcoming Millonarios.
A change that can modify the game plan
Beyond a direct replacement, Cardona’s absence may cause structural adjustments in Nacional. With the experienced midfielder on the field, the team He usually prioritizes possession, pauses and development in the rival field. Cardona acts as the organizing axis, managing time and receiving between the lines.
With Rengifo, the panorama is different. The youth version offers a more dynamic and vertical style. His mobility allows him to improve pressure after a loss, a key tool against Millonarios, who usually start from the back with players on good footing. The intention would be to recover the ball higher and attack with greater speed.
Besides, can alternate positions. Start as a playmaker, but also drop back to form an inside double, which would provide balance in the middle of the field. This would help Nacional better control the opponent’s transitions.
Another key aspect is the pressure in the middle block. While Cardona manages efforts In this phase, the youth stands out for his intensity, accompanying the forward in the first line of pressure and closing passing lines. In a single match, physical wear and tear can be decisive.
In attack, the midfielder brings surprise. His arrival from the second line, his mid-distance shot and his good handling of the still ball can be tools to break up a close game.
The numbers support the youth
Juan Manuel Rengifo arrives at the duel at a great moment in the Apertura Tournament of the BetPlay 2026 League. The midfielder has one goal and three assists in five games, four of them as a starter, with a total of 355 minutes on the field.
Beyond the statistics, His influence on the game has been evident. He has shown connection with the forwards, ability to unbalance and constant participation in generating danger, which has allowed him to gain the trust of the coaching staff.
Experience vs youth: the great contrast
The match also poses a contrast between hierarchy and freshness. Edwin Cardona has extensive experience in important teams such as Boca Juniors and experience in international tournaments. He is used to high-pressure scenarios and knockout matches.
On the other hand, Rengifo is one of the emerging talents of the club and it still has no experience in the international arena. This duel against Millonarios could be the most important challenge of his career.
However, his youth can work in his favor. It arrives without the burden of recent antecedents and with the impulse to show your talentwhich could give him daring in a highly demanding match.
Atlético Nacional will face a duel no margin of error against one of his direct rivals in Colombian soccer. The decision of the coaching staff on Cardona’s replacement will not only mark the functioning of the team, but could define the future of Purslane in the Conmebol Sudamericana.
