Tolima vs Atl. Nacional Prediction: I expect a defensive show

The upcoming 1st leg Final matchup in the Colombia Primera A-Clausura Play-Offs will host Tolima against Atl. Nacional at Estadio Manuel Murillo Toro Stadium. Tolima will aim to secure a win on their home soil to claim the trophy since they have reached this stage for 3rd time in the Cup history, while Atl. Nacional will aim to prevent a defeat on the road since they have reached the final stage in eight times in Copa history. In the following paragraphs, let’s analyze both teams’ forms, key stats, and my expert opinion.

Last time out against Once Caldes, Tolima snapped their winless streak of two during their last five games in a 1-0 win. Before the match, they suffered defeats against Junior and America De Cali. However, they were victorious against America De Cali and Junior. During these games, they have scored seven goals while conceding seven. Tolima will aim to secure a win on their home soil to extend their previous win to two, and since they have reached the final stage for the 3rd time in Copa history.

Atl. Nacional halted their winning streak of three in their previous matchup against America De Cali in a scoreless draw, with their unbeaten streak still intact. Before the match, they were victorious against America De Cali, Santa Fe, and Pasto. During these games, they have scored eight goals while conceding two. Atl. Nacional will aim to prevent a defeat on the road since they have reached the final stage in eight times in Copa history.

Tolima Won two, while Atl. Nacional won one during their last five games, and both teams tied in two games. In four of these games, both teams scored against one another, and more than two goals were recorded.

Tolima will aim to secure a win on their home soil to extend their previous win to two, while Atl. Nacional will seek to prevent a defeat on the road to their unbeaten streak of five to six. Therefore, I think both teams will be in their defensive play in this match, even though their attacking player will aim to showcase a class against their net. So, I expect many corner kicks to be recorded since their attacking players will aim to score, while I expect their defensive units to prevent conceding many goals. Meanwhile, the visiting team have reached the final stage in 8 times, while the home team have reached the final stage in 3 times in Copa history. With this, I think the visiting team have the advantage of securing a win or ending in a draw since they are expected to build on their previous performances.

Corners Over 8.5 1.60 - More than 9 corner kicks were recorded in their last five games in their head-to-head matches.

BTTS YES 2.03 - Both teams scored in four of their last five games against one another

X2 1.70 - The visiting team have more experience in the Copa final than the home team, and they are unbeaten in their last five games