Deportes Tolima will face Nacional in Montevideo in the second match of the CONMEBOL Libertadores group stage. A key element of the match is Jorge Bava, Nacional’s coach, who recently achieved success in Colombian football.
Bava’s Colombian Success
The Uruguayan manager, previously a goalkeeper for Atlético Bucaramanga, comes up against a familiar league, this time from the opposition dugout. Bava recently coached Independiente Santa Fe, winning the league title with them. He left Santa Fe after six months, during which he made a significant impact.
Bava explained his decision to leave Santa Fe: “Two days ago I had an offer, with my technical staff we decided to accept it. We saw an opportunity for our future… I lived 6 spectacular months, we were fortunate to crown it with a title”.
His departure was met with understanding from his former team. Hugo Rodallega said: “We looked them in the face and told them to go calmly, that they were leaving with great affection”.
During his time with Santa Fe, Bava managed 32 matches, securing 14 wins, 10 draws, and 8 losses, achieving a performance rate of 54.17%.
Teams Seek First Group Stage Win
Both Nacional and Deportes Tolima enter the match having drawn their first group stage encounters.
Deportes Tolima drew 0-0 with Universitario in their opening match. Nacional secured a 1-1 draw against Coquimbo Unido away from home.
Both teams need a win, especially with the added challenge of playing at the Uruguayan side’s home ground.
The match in Montevideo pits two teams against each other who both need a win.