The Estadio Atanasio Girardot in Medellin is set to witness a compelling clash on 13 February 2026 at 03:30 CEST as Atletico Nacional welcomes Fortaleza for this crucial Primera A Apertura fixture. With both sides vying for momentum in the early stages of Colombia’s top flight, anticipation runs high. Under the strategic tutelage of Diego Arias, Nacional are striving to secure a top-table spot, while Sebastián Oliveros’ Fortaleza aim to prove their resilience against one of the most storied clubs in the country.
Among the standout talents to watch, Edwin Cardona’s creativity in midfield could be pivotal for Nacional, offering incisive passing and set-piece threats. Fortaleza’s Andrés Arroyo, meanwhile, enters the contest as a driving force in transition his ability to break lines with clever runs and distribute effectively gives ‘Los Atezados’ an edge during counterattacks.
A defining “hot stat”: Fortaleza have accumulated a remarkable 27 corner kicks across their last five matches, averaging 5.4 per match indicative of their propensity to press and create chances, especially from wide positions.
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Atletico Nacional vs Fortaleza predictions
My best bet: Atletico Nacional to win. The hosts display superior form, tactical cohesion, and a clinical edge in front of their supporters. Nacional have secured two wins in their last three matches with convincing attacking performances, racking up six goals and conceding just one in Apertura, reflecting both their offensive dynamics and a robust defensive organization. Fortaleza, on the other hand, have struggled to convert draws into victories and have notched just a single win in their previous five outings. The Medellin venue, combined with the home side’s attacking depth and defensive discipline, makes Nacional a logical pick to prevail.
When examining team styles, Nacional’s 4-2-3-1 formation emphasizes stability in midfield and allows flexibility in their offensive approach. Averaging just over five fouls per match and collecting a modest six yellow cards in five games, they maintain composure and focus on possession boasting 679 completed passes with an impressive 87.4 percent accuracy rate. In contrast, Fortaleza’s attacking intent is underscored by their 59 fouls and 14 yellow cards over five matches. Their tendency to draw contact and commit tactical fouls may hinder them if they cannot control Nacional’s pace and movement. Furthermore, Fortaleza have attempted more total shots (78 vs. 49), signifying directness but also room for inefficiency against a defensively organized side.
- ⚽Total Goals: Over 2.5
- 💥Both Teams To Score: Yes
- 🎯Total Corners: Over 9.5
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Atletico Nacional vs Fortaleza Most recent H2Hs
| Statistic | Atletico Nacional | Fortaleza |
|---|---|---|
| Total shots | 27 | 22 |
| Free kicks | 18 | 24 |
| Corner kicks | 20 | 13 |
| Total fouls | 34 | 38 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 85 | 80 |
| Interceptions | 18 | 21 |
| Offsides | 6 | 9 |
Historically, Atletico Nacional have had the upper hand in this matchup, winning two of the last three meetings and scoring freely, including an emphatic 5-1 triumph in the 2025 Apertura. Fortaleza managed a commendable 2-2 draw in their most recent encounter during the 2025 Clausura, displaying progress in both defensive structure and attacking transitions. However, Nacional’s home advantage and depth often tilt these contests in their favor.
🚨Read our full Atletico Nacional vs Fortaleza stats for more analysis.
Key Stats
- Atletico Nacional: 67 percent win rate in their last three matches.
- Fortaleza: Undefeated in five but four draws, highlighting struggle to close games.
- Fortaleza: 27 corners and 78 shots in last five games a testament to high-volume attack.
- Atletico Nacional: Conceded just one goal in Apertura action so far.
- Fortaleza: 14 yellow cards in last five games, may risk suspensions/in-game discipline.
Atletico Nacional vs Fortaleza score prediction: 2-1
A competitive fixture is anticipated, but Atletico Nacional’s organizational consistency and match-winners like Edwin Cardona and Juan Rengifo both involved in multiple goals and assists should prove decisive. Fortaleza’s best avenue is through direct play and set-pieces, where Andrés Arroyo and Harold Balanta can pose threats. However, Nacional’s home record, superior accuracy in possession, and lower foul rate tipped the balance toward a 2-1 victory for the Medellin giants.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Atletico Nacional the favourite
| Moneyline | Atletico Nacional 1.41 | Fortaleza 7.05 | |
|---|---|---|
| Draw | 3.92 | |
| Over/Under | Over 2.5 1.87 | Under 2.5 2.05 | |
| BTTS (both teams to score) | Yes 1.97 | No 1.81 | |
These odds reflect the bookmakers’ clear preference for Atletico Nacional supported by superior form, roster quality, and home advantage. The relatively short odds on the home win mirror their attacking performances and resilience. High BTTS and Over 2.5 odds suggest expectations of an open contest, likely featuring goals at both ends given Fortaleza’s direct approach.
Atletico Nacional vs Fortaleza Over/Under Analysis
- Three of the last five Fortaleza matches ended with Under 2.5 goals.
- Nacional matches, however, have gone Over 2.5 in their last two league outings.
- Fortaleza’s tendency to earn corners supports Over 9.5 corners as a secondary selection.
- BTTS has landed in three of the last four H2Hs.
Atletico Nacional Preview
Atletico Nacional arrive in fine fettle after edging America de Cali 2-1 in their most recent outing. In that match, the midfield orchestrated by Edwin Cardona and flanked by Andrés Sarmiento delivered poise and intent, maintaining 87 percent pass completion, recording 10 shots, and keeping defensive lapses to the minimum. The solid backline anchored by William Tesillo ensures discipline, while the attack frequently rotates scoring responsibility among forwards underscoring their depth and unpredictability.
Atletico Nacional possible starting eleven

- GK: David Ospina
- DF: William Tesillo, Andrés Román, Simón García, Milton Casco
- MF: Edwin Cardona, Juan Zapata, Juan Bauza, Cristian Uribe
- FW: Juan Rengifo, Andrés Sarmiento
Fortaleza Preview
Fortaleza’s campaign has been defined by resilience and a dogged refusal to concede defeat, with four consecutive draws showcasing defensive durability. Their most recent 1-1 result versus Santa Fe saw a disciplined midfield display, highlighted by Andrés Arroyo’s goal and relentless ball-winning efforts from Leonardo Pico and Yesid Díaz. However, inefficiency in front of goal and disciplinary lapses (14 yellows, 1 red in last five matches) could disrupt flow and expose vulnerabilities against quality opposition.
Fortaleza possible starting eleven

- GK: Miguel Silva
- DF: Harold Balanta, Miguel Pernia, Santiago Cuero, Joan Cajares
- MF: Leonardo Pico, Andres Amaya, Yesid Díaz, Sebastian Navarro, Andrés Arroyo
- FW: Teun Wilke

Fortaleza. Source: Official Facebook. Edited photo
The Verdict
As our TipsGG expert analysis indicates, Atletico Nacional emerge as the more compelling choice for full points in Medellin. Combining a 64 percent win probability calculated by our AI prediction engine with recent attacking verve and defensive harmony, Nacional are poised to extend their flawless home run. Fortaleza’s propensity for stalemates and attacking intent should ensure they put up resistance, but quality and efficiency differentiate the hosts.
How to watch Atletico Nacional vs Fortaleza
When?
Kick-off time: 03:30 CEST, 13 February 2026
Where?
Estadio Atanasio Girardot, Medellin
How to watch: Local broadcasters and official streaming platforms (check with Colombian broadcasters or your league’s OTT service).
Favorite: Atletico Nacional
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