1-1: The ‘Mineiros’ derby ends in a draw

Ang Atletico Mineiro and the America Mineirohistoric rivals in the Brazilian city of Belo Horizonte, tied 1-1 on Wednesday in the first derby between the two for Libertadores Cupin a match for the second day of Group D of the continental tournament.

With a goal from Ademir minutes from the end of the match, Atlético, who won the Brazilian Championship and Copa do Brasil titles last year, averted a historic defeat against América, who opened the scoring early in second time with a lot from Felipe Azevedo and almost got the win.

The draw prevented América from finally celebrating victory against its historic rival after 19 games of fasting (now with 14 wins and 6 draws for Atlético), as Coelho has not beaten Galo since 2016, and allowed Atlético to remain unbeaten at the Mineirao stadium, where they have not lost since last year.

The result also allows the Brazilian champion to temporarily take first place in Group D of the Libertadores, with 4 points, after winning 0-2 last week on his visit to Tolima in Colombia.

America added the first point and climbed to third place, awaiting Wednesday’s game in which Ecuadorian Independiente del Valle, who has three points, will receive Tolima, who are still not scoring.

Atlético, as expected, was the team that attacked more and stressed at home, but surprised an América team that preferred to wait behind and play counterattack, which allowed for more dangerous games than their rivals.

The first scoring opportunity, however, was given to Atlético, when, a minute later, the veteran Hulk, the team and the League’s top scorer last year, took advantage of an América mistake and tried to open up the scoring. but his ball fell. in Lake Maidana.

Atlético insisted on the ends but felt the lack of injured Keno and also developed plays through the middle with Argentine Matías Zaracho, who was denied the goal due to offside, and Chilean Eduardo Vargas.

While Atlético continued to interfere with the goal Jailson defended, América was limited to occasional counterattacks.

In the second half, the Brazilian champion also started to hit, but America finally paid off with their self-defense strategy and coming out on counterattacks in the 50th minute, when Felipe Azevedo took the ball in the middle of the field, beating the Uruguayan Diego. Godín and advanced to the spot to beat Everson and open the scoring.

Atlético reacted immediately and attacked again, but coach Vagner Mancini, in his first game after being rehired again this week, began to strengthen his defense with the removal of attackers and the entry of a third defender. .

América completely confined themselves to their pitch to defend themselves against the avalanche of Atlético and their counterattack attempts were increasingly sporadic.

The struggle only paid off in the 85th minute, when Ademir, who entered the second half, received a long shot from Mariano from the midfielder, advanced towards the spot, left Maidana on the road and guaranteed the equalizer for Atlético. .

The six-minute substitution granted by the referee was an avalanche of Atlético’s attack to try the winning goal, but neither Argentine Nacho Fernández nor Chilean Vargas nor Venezuelan Savarino or Hulk could withstand the hurdle placed by América on their defense to the whole team.