Luis Torres
Dailysports's expert
The Matchday 5 clash of the Copa Libertadores group stage takes place this Thursday at the Atanasio Girardot Stadium, where local side Atlético Nacional will host Brazilian club Bahia. Let’s break down a bet on the attacking potential of both teams in this encounter.
Atlético Nacional
The Colombian giants made a confident start to the Copa Libertadores group stage, opening with a 3-0 home win over Nacional. However, two consecutive away defeats followed—0-3 against Internacional and 0-1 to Bahia. Nevertheless, in the fourth round, the team took resounding revenge on the Brazilians, defeating Internacional at home 3-1. After four rounds, the club sits second in the group with six points and a goal difference of 6:5. A victory in this upcoming fixture would see them leapfrog Bahia to take top spot. The team’s current form inspires optimism—since losing in round three, they’re unbeaten in four matches (three wins and a draw). They’ve looked especially solid at home, stringing together six consecutive wins across all competitions.
Bahia
Bahia enter the fifth round of the Copa Libertadores as group leaders, boasting seven points and a 4:4 goal difference. The team kicked off the tournament with a draw against Internacional before notching two vital victories—over Nacional and Atlético Nacional. Bahia were cruising through the group, but in round four, they unexpectedly lost 1-3 at home to Nacional. That result was the first warning sign, which was quickly confirmed by a 0-1 defeat to Flamengo in the following Brazilian league match. Thus, their run of five consecutive 1-0 wins across all competitions came to a halt. Now, the team is clearly eager to bounce back and solidify their place at the top of the group.
Key facts and head-to-head
- Atlético Nacional have won three of their last four matches.
- Atlético Nacional have won nine of their last ten home games.
- Both teams have scored in three of Atlético Nacional’s last four matches.
- Bahia have scored first in six of their last seven matches.
Probable lineups
- Atlético Nacional: Ospina, Román, Arias, Tesillo, Cándido, Campuzano, Uribe, Inestrosa, Cardona, Viveros, Arche.
- Bahia: Felipe, Juba, Mingo, Javier, Eric, Everton, Lucas, Caio Alexandre, Cauly, Rodriguez, Pulga.
Atlético Nacional vs Bahia match prediction
This match between Atlético Nacional and Bahia promises to be tense and fiercely contested, with group leadership on the line. The Colombians will be determined to avenge their first-leg defeat and capitalize on their formidable home form. Bahia, meanwhile, will be desperate to end their recent struggles and maintain their grip on top spot. Expect an open, attacking affair filled with chances, as both teams push for victory. My bet for this match is over 2 goals at odds of 1.58.
