Nacional Back On Track In Colombia, Once Caldas Held

Atletico Nacional struggled out of the gate but seem to be finding their way slowly under Ramon Cabrero. They started out losing against Junior courtesy of a Giovanny Hernandex goal in the 12th minute, but the Verdolagas bounced back late in the game with goals from Sergio Galvan Rey and Ezequiel Maggiolo. Since ending at the bottom of the table last season, Nacional are now unbeaten in their last seven matches.

Meanwhile, two of the teams that were the most mobile in the off-season transfer market, Millonarios and Santa Fe, both ended up in the losers column and continue to disappoint. Millonarios were stunned 2-0 by Tolima at El Campin. The first goal was courtesy of an own goal by Mauricio Casierra. Milton Rodriguez sealed Millos' fate with a goal of his own in the 71st minute. 

Huila came out on top over Santa Fe 2-1 at the Estadio Guillermo Plazas Alcid. Herman Cordoba bagged a brace for Huila while Cristian Nazarit would pull the Cardenales one goal back, but it would not be enough for them. This would have Huila as the surprise leader of the tournament early on.

The only other road team that won, Medellin, stormed back from an early deficit to win 3-1 in Cartagena. Miguel Najera opened the scoring for Real Cartagena on a penalty kick in the first half, but Luis Mosquera equalised in the second half and Jackson Martinez took over late in the second half. Martinez scored a brace with a penalty kick and would seal the deal in the 73rd minute with a brilliant strike.  

In other matches, Pasto and La Equidad split points while the last two domestic champs, Once Caldas and America, did the same at the Palogrande stadium in Manizales. 

Colombian Copa Mustang II: Round 3 Results

Millonarios 0-2 Tolima
Pasto 1-1 La Equidad
Huila 2-1 Santa Fe
Chico 4-2 Envigado
Nacional 2-1 Junior
Cali 2-1 Pereira
Real Cartagena 1-3 Medellin
Cucuta 2-0 Quindio
Once Caldas 0-0 America

Juan Arango, Goal.com