The rise to continental prominence for Atlético Nacional began in 1987 with the appointment of former player Maturana as manager. He began building a star team featuring top international players like Higuita, Escobar, García, Álvarez, and Tréllez. The following season, El Verde finished as runner-up in the League, earning qualification for the following season's biggest continental cup. Progress in the competition was outstanding: the Medellín giants advanced from the group stage for the first time by eliminating Racing Club, fellow Colombians Millionarios, and Danubio. A closely contested final against Paraguayan side Olimpia saw Atlético Nacional triumph in a penalty shootout, becoming Colombia's first-ever South American champion.