Gamero Returns to Atanasio: The Stadium Where He Gave Nacional the Most Trouble
Alberto Gamero is set to return to the Atanasio Girardot Stadium as the head coach of Deportivo Cali. His team will face Atlético Nacional in the 15th round of Liga BetPlay. This visit holds particular significance due to Gamero’s history at this venue.
Gamero’s Memorable Moments at Atanasio
The Atanasio Girardot Stadium has been pivotal in Gamero’s coaching career, especially with his past teams against Atlético Nacional. His journey at this venue began in 2011 when he was leading Boyacá Chicó. In the Copa Colombia semifinals, his squad managed to eliminate Nacional after a nail-biting penalty shootout.
Successes with Deportes Tolima
In 2014, as the coach of Deportes Tolima, Gamero continued to build his legend at Atanasio. A 2-2 draw in Medellín was followed by a 2-0 victory in Ibagué, which saw his team advance in the Copa. By 2017, he repeated the magic in the Liga, securing a memorable victory at home and moving forward thanks to penalties, despite a 2-1 loss in Medellín.
The 2018 Final Triumph
Gamero’s most celebrated moment came in the first half of 2018. Despite Nacional securing a win in Ibagué, Gamero’s Tolima team turned the tables. They achieved a remarkable 2-1 victory in Medellín, with Danovis Banguero scoring in added time. Tolima clinched the title through penalties, marking a historic evening in Colombian football.
Continuing the Success with Millonarios
In the first half of 2023, as the coach of Millonarios, Gamero faced Nacional in the Liga final. The first leg in Medellín ended goalless, but Millonarios secured the championship back home, with goalkeeper Álvaro Montero standing out in the penalty shootout. Despite a later defeat in the Copa BetPlay finals by Nacional, Gamero’s influence remained undiminished.
The Road Ahead with Deportivo Cali
Now leading Deportivo Cali, Gamero is rebuilding the squad with hopes of future success. As he returns to the Atanasio, the stadium that has witnessed many of his achievements, Gamero aims to once again rise to the occasion, leaving a mark with Deportivo Cali.
| Year | Team | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Boyacá Chicó | Eliminated Nacional in Copa Colombia semifinals |
| 2014 | Deportes Tolima | Advanced in the Copa with a draw and win |
| 2018 | Deportes Tolima | Won the Liga title after a comeback in Medellín |
| 2023 | Millonarios | Won the Liga title after a goalless draw in Medellín |
As Gamero prepares to face his familiar rival at a stadium rich with personal history, excitement and anticipation are high. With his track record, fans are eager to see if he can orchestrate another masterful performance.
