Atlético-MG defeated Independiente Del Valle 3-1 on Tuesday night at Arena MRV in Belo Horizonte. With the victory, Galo advanced to the Copa Sudamericana final with a 4-2 aggregate score. Guilherme Arana and Bernard built a solid advantage for the Minas Gerais team in the first half. Spinelli scored for Del Valle after a mistake by Everson in the second half, but Hulk secured the qualification. Galo will face Internacional on Sunday in the Brazilian Serie A before the Copa Sudamericana final in Paraguay on November 22.
Since the first minute, Jorge Sampaoli’s team pressured Independiente Del Valle’s build-up play. The Ecuadorian side struggled to find their rhythm due to this and Galo took advantage. Most of Atlético-MG’s chances came from regained balls in the attacking field. Arana and Bernard, the goalscorers, had opportunities before finding the net. Dudu and Hulk also capitalized on defensive mistakes. Dudu provided two assists, the second one coming from a midfield interception, while Hulk, the Galo idol, scored the goal that ended a 16-game drought and sealed the final berth.
Critical moments: Arana misses a great opportunity early in the match. In the first minute, Atlético-MG could’ve scored with their left-back, but Arana hit the goalkeeper with his shot. Villar shines again. On Arana’s corner, Júnior Alonso rose above the defense, but Villar made a great save. Galo’s pressure pays off. At the 17th minute, Alan Franco regained possession and Dudu set up Bernard to shoot, but the effort was weak. Arana opens the scoring. Following another Del Valle mistake, Dudu found Arana, who scored in the 35th minute. Bernard extends the lead with a delicate chip. Seven minutes later, Dudu set up Bernard with a clever pass for Villar.
Another scare for Villar. At the beginning of the second half, Fausto Vera’s long-range effort forced Villar to make a crucial save after a deflection. Del Valle pulls one back through Everson’s blunder. Despite Atlético-MG’s dominance, Del Valle found the net with Spinelli. Hulk eases Galo’s nerves. After Del Valle’s goal, Hulk received a pass from Júnior Alonso, took advantage of the defense’s hesitation, and placed the ball past Villar. Match data: Atlético-MG 3-1 Independiente Del Valle. Date and time: October 28, 9:30 PM (Brasília time). Competition: Copa Sudamericana semifinal (2nd leg). Venue: Arena MRV, Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Referee: Esteban Ostojich (URU). Goals: Guilherme Arana, Bernard, Spinelli, Hulk. Yellow cards: Everson, Biel, Jean Arroyo.
Deixe um comentário