U23 League

Atanasio Girardot
Spectators: 150 (Terracing: 113, Seating: 34, VIP seats: 3) The sun was shining, the grass was green and the audience cheered when Gerardo Pirmin got the match started through his kick off. In the 5th minute, Celestino Rudolfo hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. In the 6th minute, Donato Vachon got an opportunity to score, but he didn't get a solid hit on the ball and ended up kicking it wide of the goal. The supporters of Palermo booed when Atlético Nacional was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 8 match minutes in a wonderful position. Celestino Rudolfo didn't get a good kick on the ball. In the 11th minute, Nemesio Damario hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. After 12 played minutes Palermo got a freekick which was hit by Javier Bazkoare. In the 20th minute, Donato Vachon made a precise shot to the right of Wilfredo Berriotxoa. Atlético Nacional's defense was at fault, and the scoreboard reflected the new score, 0-1. In the 24th minute Donato Vachon shot on, it seemed, an open goal, but Wilfredo Berriotxoa saw the ball coming and threw himself on it before it passed the goal line. The Palermo fans' excitement grew in the 24th match minute when Palermo's Donato Vachon looked to have a clear shot with the ball near the goal. The shot wasn't hard, but the ball still rolled over the goal line to make it 0-2 before the goalkeeper had a chance to intervene. Rafael Hondo succeeded in the game's 27th minute to shoot an unreachable shot under the crossbar and scored - 0-3. After a rather tough play, Atlético Nacional's Gerardo Pirmin got a free kick in the 29th minute. In the 32nd minute, Atlético Nacional's Gerardo Pirmin dribbled the ball into the box and hit a shot with the outside of his foot, sending the keeper the wrong way. 1-3. 38 minutes into the game, Palermo's Rafael Hondo nearly tore a hole in the net with a booming shot. Wilfredo Berriotxoa made a valiant effort, but he could not reach the ball in time, 1-4. Julian Birila's late challenge caught a Atlético Nacional's player on the shin and left him crawling around in pain. The referee blew his whistle and produced the yellow card. Julian Birila helped the player get up and apologised. A collision led to Palermo getting a freekick after 44 minutes play. Julian Birila hit a great ball. After a defensive mix-up in Palermo's zone, Celestino Rudolfo stole the ball and had only the goalie to beat. Enrique Lekubegi came out of the goal and Celestino Rudolfo tried to chip the ball over his head. To his dismay, the ball went over the crossbar and out of play. After the first half Palermo were leading 1-4. They had played with great self confidence throughout the first half and fully deserved their lead.

The players of the home team were most fresh-looking when they entered the field to play the second half. Donato Vachon was the one to do the kick off. Donato Vachon struck a weak shot in the 53rd minute. Wilfredo Berriotxoa didn't even have to move as the ball rolled over the line well wide of the goal. A wasted opportunity for Palermo. After 54 minutes, Nicanor Gaufred mouthed his way into the referee's book. The tension between the Palermo and the Atlético Nacional players grew even worse after the yellow card. Donato Vachon could have scored with his fast shot on goal in the 57th minute of the match, but Wilfredo Berriotxoa made a huge save. Wilfredo Berriotxoa was a little too slow when Donato Vachon got a fine hit on the ball which went right into the goal in the 61st minute. The score was now 1-5. Oscar Eguen hit a great freekick 73 minutes into the match. Ulises Hernandez sent away a hard shot on goal in the 80th minute, but the ball went just over the crossbar and out. A very good chance. Enrique Lekubegi showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Everardo Johans, who was totally free with the ball in the 85th minute. Palermo's Enrique Lekubegi played magnificently when he managed to stop the ball from hitting the goal, after a sharp shot by Gerardo Pirmin in the 88th minute of play. 91 minutes into the game, Gerardo Pirmin was given a yellow card after he appeared to trip an opposing player. Atlético Nacional's manager was livid on the sidelines, but the referee was unmoved and gave Palermo the free kick. Gerardo Pirmin kicked well hit freekick during the 91st minute of the match. In the 95th minute, Donato Vachon ran past the defenders and hit a shot which went straight ahead into goal. Wilfredo Berriotxoa was frozen by the shot and now it was 1-6. Palermo's fans were overjoyed with their teams well-earned victory and stayed in the stadium long after the final whistle to celebrate the win.