At Arena MRV, Atlético-MG came from behind to defeat Godoy Cruz 2-1 this Thursday (14th), in the first leg of the Round of 16 of the Conmebol Sudamericana.
Galo did not put on a good performance, especially in the first half, when they created few chances and saw the Argentinians take the lead.
After the defense failed to clear the ball, Santino Andino picked up the rebound, evaded his marker, and struck with his left foot into Everson’s top corner.
At the end of the first half, Arana found the back of the net, finishing off the goalkeeper’s rebound in the box, but the play was ruled out for offside by Rony after a VAR review.
The first 20 minutes of the second half were tough on the pitch and tense for Atlético-MG fans, as the team was not creating chances.
The best attempt had come from a Hulk free kick, which the goalkeeper saved.
However, after a good exchange of passes down the left, Arana crossed, the goalkeeper went “chasing butterflies,” and the ball fell kindly for Cuello to finish into an empty net.
In the final minutes, coach Cuca handed a debut to attacking midfielder Reinier, who came on for defender Lyanco.
And it was precisely the number 18, a Flamengo youth product and former Real Madrid player, who provided the chest assist for Hulk to fire home and complete the comeback!
With this result, Atlético-MG only needs a draw next Thursday (21st) in Argentina to advance and face Bolívar or Cienciano (first leg 2-0).
The Argentinians need to win by two goals to secure a spot in the quarterfinals. If Godoy Cruz wins by one goal, the place will be decided on penalties.
Before that, however, Galo returns to the pitch on Sunday (17th), when they host Grêmio at Arena MRV for the 20th round of the Brasileirão.
📸 DOUGLAS MAGNO – AFP or licensors
