El Nacional and Blooming delivered a thrilling showdown in the first phase of the CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores. The Ecuadorian side won 2-1 in the second leg, leveling the aggregate score at 4-4 and forcing a penalty shootout, where they triumphed 4-3 to secure their spot in the next round.

Blooming’s Stunning Goal and El Nacional’s Comeback

The first half followed a similar script to the first leg, with Blooming flexing their attacking power. In the 19th minute, Richard Spenhay shocked everyone with a stunning long-range goal from nearly three-quarters of the field, putting the Bolivian side ahead.

However, El Nacional came out fired up in the second half, fueled by their passionate home crowd. At the 67th minute, Fidel Martínez finished off a fast counterattack with a clinical strike to level the score. Just eight minutes later, in the 75th, the Olímpico Atahualpa erupted as Guisamano completed the comeback, sending the tie to penalties.

Penalty Shootout Drama

The shootout was full of nerves and high tension. Guido Vadalá and Richard Spenhay missed their penalties for Blooming, while Mejía failed to convert for El Nacional. In the end, the Ecuadorian side prevailed 4-3, sealing their place in the next round.

Ecuadorian Derby Up Next

With this victory, El Nacional advances to the second phase of the CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores, where they will face Barcelona SC in a heated Ecuadorian derby, with both teams chasing La Gloria Eterna. Meanwhile, Blooming bows out of the tournament.