Atlético Nacional 0–0 Sao Paulo: Cardona Misses Two Penalties in Copa Libertadores First Leg

Atlético Nacional could not make the most of playing at home in the Copa Libertadores round of 16, drawing 0–0 with Sao Paulo on Tuesday, August 12, night. The match at Medellín’s Estadio Atanasio Girardot was marked by Edwin Cardona missing two penalties — one in each half.

Strong Start but Early Miss

Nacional began the match well, pushing Sao Paulo back and creating early chances. Marlos Moreno was lively, dribbling past defenders and shooting on goal. The best chance came in the 12th minute, when the referee gave a penalty for handball by Nahuel Ferraresi. Cardona stepped up but sent the ball wide of the left post, missing a golden chance to take the lead.

After that, Sao Paulo tightened their defence and tried a few shots through André Silva and Marcos Antonio, but neither troubled goalkeeper David Ospina. Nacional also had more attempts from Moreno, Marino Hinestroza and Andrés Román, but none were on target.

Second Half Full of Chances

Nacional came out attacking again after the break. Cardona went close with a low shot that just missed the post, and Zapata hit the right post with a powerful strike. In the 58th minute, Moreno raced down the wing and set up Hinestroza, who hit the post again instead of scoring.

Sao Paulo replied with a shot from Luciano, but Ospina made the save. Soon after, Nacional got another penalty when Ferraresi fouled Alfredo Morelos. Cardona took it again, aiming for the same side, but goalkeeper Rafael saved it.

In the final minutes, Moreno tried once more before being substituted, and Matheus Uribe also had a shot, but the goal never came. The 0–0 draw means everything will be decided in the second leg at Morumbi Stadium in Brazil on August 19.

Kursiv also reports that an ordinary friendly between Moscow clubs Lokomotiv and Dynamo on July 12 turned into a viral hit after five goals were scored in added time.