Independiente del Valle hopes alive after home draw with Atletico Nacional

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:58 am

Atletico Nacional put a minor dent in the hopes of a fairytale ending to Independiente del Valle's run in the Copa Libertadores as the two teams finished level at 1-1 in Quito, Ecuador.

Orlando Berrio put the visitors in front with a right-footed shot from outside the box following an assist from Macnelly Torres.

Orlando Berrio of Colombia's Atletico Nacional celebrates after opening the scoring vs. Independiente del Valle in the Copa Libertadores.
Orlando Berrio of Colombia's Atletico Nacional celebrates after opening the scoring vs. Independiente del Valle in the Copa Libertadores.
AP Images

The Colombian side dominated possession throughout the match and Del Valle were unable to capitalise on their patented counter-attacking tactics against a well-drilled Nacional defence for most of the match.

But in true heart-attack fashion, Del Valle levelled in the 89th minute when Arturo Mina followed up his own free kick and knocked home past Franco Armani to keep the Ecuadorians hopes alive in the return leg in Colombia.