Now, a draw is enough for Galo to advance to the semifinals
At Monumental de Nuñez, in Argentina, River Plate and Atlético-MG faced each other in the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores da América. And it was the Brazilian club that took and beat the hosts 1-0
To face River Plate, the coach Cuca promoted changes in the team alvinegro. Guilherme Arana, Olympic champion with the Brazilian team, returned with the title guaranteed, putting Dodô on the bench; in the middle, midfielder Jair won Tchê Tchê’s spot; in attack, the Venezuelan Savarino gave way to the Chilean Eduardo Vargas.
With the ball rolling, it was River that created more opportunities and could have ended the first half in advantage had it not been for the good defenses of goalkeeper Éverson, who ended up choosing the best player of the match. But in the second stage the Rooster found himself. After a good move and beautiful assistance from Hulk, the “ex law” prevailed, and Nacho Fernandez scored a beautiful and unique goal of the match. At the end of the second stage the Argentine striker was sent off after the VAR took action. If Atlético won’t be able to count on Nacho for the return match, River Plate also had an important loss, as Enzo Pérez received the third yellow card and will serve an automatic suspension.
The two teams face each other again next Wednesday, at Mineirão. Atlético play for any draw to advance to the semifinals. Any victory by River classifies the Argentine club, minus the 1-0 that will take the decision to penalties.
