Atlético beat Ceará at Arena MRV, take lead in Copa do Brasil | OneFootball

Atlético took the lead in the fifth round of the Copa do Brasil by defeating Ceará 2-1 on Thursday night (23) at Arena MRV. The match was the first leg of the tie, with a spot in the round of 16 of the national competition at stake.

For the match, coach Eduardo Domínguez made a few changes. Cassierra, Bernard, Dudu, Vitor Hugo, and Preciado came into the team after not starting in last Sunday’s match, when Galo ended up losing to Coritiba away from home in a Brasileirão clash.

The result began to take shape in the first half. In the 43rd minute, after a shot by Victor Hugo, goalkeeper Bruno Ferreira spilled the ball, and Cassierra was left unmarked to tap into the empty net and open the scoring for Galo.

In the second half, Ceará responded and found an equalizer with a beautiful goal. In the 19th minute, Gustavo Prado played Fernandinho down the left, and with a backheel touch, he set up Wendel Silva in a great position. The forward controlled it and finished with class, finding the top corner beyond goalkeeper Everson.

Despite conceding the equalizer, Atlético did not lose heart and regained the lead shortly afterward. In the 26th minute, Minda made a great run down the right and crossed into the box. Cuello controlled it on the far side and laid it off to Renan Lodi, who arrived and struck powerfully, giving Bruno Ferreira no chance and sealing the black-and-white side’s victory.

With the win, Atlético takes the advantage of a draw into the second leg, which will be played on May 13 at 9:30 p.m. at Castelão. Whoever advances will secure a place in the Copa do Brasil round of 16.

Next match…

Galo now turns its attention to the Brazilian Championship. Next Sunday (26), the team hosts Flamengo, once again at Arena MRV, at 8:30 p.m., in the 13th round of the competition.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.