Galo beat Bragantino and take control in the Copa Sul-Americana | OneFootball

Atlético took the lead in the race for a place in the Copa Sudamericana quarterfinals. On Wednesday night (12), Galo beat Red Bull Bragantino 1-0 in Bragança Paulista in the first leg of the round of 16, building an advantage for the return match at Arena MRV.

Once again playing away from Belo Horizonte, Atlético managed to leave the pitch with a win. The team repeated its strong away form and showed efficiency to get the result in a balanced match.

The Massa Atleticana also turned out in large numbers in the countryside of São Paulo. From start to finish, the fans backed Galo and created a festive atmosphere in the stands, pushing the team on throughout the 90 minutes.

After the match, head coach Eduardo Domínguez highlighted the importance of Atlético’s supporters and already looked ahead to the reunion with the fans at Arena MRV.

“We have to start winning again at our Arena, with our fans, who put on a show today… The reality is that it was incredible support, incredible. I’m grateful. We are grateful for the support we have here. We hope to honor the efforts they make,” said the coach.

Pedro Souza

Even first half

The first half was marked by balance. Both teams struggled to create clear chances and also made mistakes in passing exchanges and finishing.

Atlético’s best chance came in the 19th minute. Victor Hugo received the ball and hit a low cross-shot, but goalkeeper Cleiton managed to make the save. Bragantino responded late in the half, when Sasha fired on goal and forced Everson into action.

Still in the first half, Lyanco had to be substituted for Vitor Hugo, and the score remained goalless until halftime.

Cuello makes the difference

In the second half, Atlético began to find more space, and Eduardo Domínguez made changes to the team. Cassierra, Igor Gomes, and Minda came on in place of Reinier, Victor Hugo, and Bermard.

Atlético managed to open the scoring in the 27th minute, when Igor Gomes won the ball back in midfield and found Cuello charging forward at speed. The Argentine forward entered the box and challenged the opposing goalkeeper. The ball stayed alive after the first contact, and Cuello popped up again to finish and put Galo ahead.

With the lead, Eduardo Domínguez brought on Cissé for Cuello, giving the team fresh legs in the closing stages.

Bragantino tried to press for an equalizer, but Atlético stayed organized defensively and managed to hold on to the lead until the final whistle.

A 1-0 away win and an advantage built for the decider.

Decider at Arena MRV

Atlético will face Bragantino again next Wednesday (19), at 7 p.m., at Arena MRV. With the first-leg win, Galo only need a draw to secure qualification for the Copa Sudamericana quarterfinals.

📋 MATCH DETAILS

Copa Sudamericana – Round of 16 | First leg

⚽ Score: Red Bull Bragantino 0 x 1 Atlético📍 Venue: Estádio Cícero de Souza Marques, Bragança Paulista (SP)⚽ Goal: Cuello, 27' of the 2nd half

⚫⚪ Atlético: Everson; Natanael, Ruan Tressoldi, Lyanco (Vitor Hugo), Renan Lodi; Maycon, Alan Franco, Victor Hugo (Minda), Bernard (Igor Gomes); Cuello (Cissé) and Reinier (Cassierra). Head coach: Eduardo Domínguez.

🔴⚪ Red Bull Bragantino: Cleiton; Agustín Sant’Anna, Guzmán Rodríguez, Gustavo Marques, Juninho Capixaba; Gabriel (Eric Ramires), Rodriguinho, Herrera (Gustavinho), Lucas Barbosa (Marcelinho), Vinicinho and Eduardo Sasha (Isidro Pitta). Head coach: Vagner Mancini.

🟨 Yellow cards – Atlético: none.

🟨 Yellow cards – Bragantino: Juninho Capixaba and Lucas Barbosa.

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