Atlético-MG beats Cienciano, breathes and emboldens the South American group

Atlético-MG defeated Cienciano by a score of 2-0, this Thursday (21), and placed itself in first place in Group B of the Copa Sudamericana.

In a duel valid for the fifth round of the tournament, at Arena MRV, Renan Lodi and Bernard were the scorers of Minas Gerais' home triumph. This was the second victory for coach Eduardo Domínguez's team, which reached the seven-point mark.

Galo is tied on points with Puerto Cabello, from Venezuela, and Cienciano himself, who also have seven. In the last round, the Belo Horizonte club will decide its classification in the South American Championship against the Venezuelans. The match takes place next Tuesday (26), at 9pm (Brasília time), again at Atlético's home.

About the match
After initial pressure, Atlético came into danger for the first time in the ninth minute, when winger Tomás Cuello attempted a low cross and the Peruvian defense cleared it away. Then, at 18, midfielder Bernard fired on the counterattack and passed it to left-back Renan Lodi, who knocked it out.

Lodi himself appeared again at the 27-minute mark. Cuello hit a beautiful cross from the right and the 28-year-old full-back finished firmly to open the scoring in favor of the Minas Gerais team. The team almost expanded shortly after, in the 31st minute, with a shot from winger Alan Minda that hit the post.

Before the end of the first half, Galo scored his second goal with Bernard. Tomás Cuello made another beautiful move and crossed for the midfielder to increase the home club's lead.

Behind on the scoreboard, Cienciano returned from the break to attack more frequently. After 12 minutes, center forward Carlos Garcés headed the ball and goalkeeper Everson made a great save. After holding off pressure from their rival, Atlético-MG was once again frightening with Renan Lodi, who was saved by goalkeeper Ítalo Espinoza.

Later, Everson stopped a beautiful attempt by the opponent's attack and prevented the visitors' first goal at Arena MRV. Then, at 30, Lodi had the chance to score Galo's third, but missed the goal. Finally, midfielder Victor Hugo received the ball in the area, cut the marking and finished over the goalkeeper.

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Source: CNN