Atlético and América draw 1-1 at Arena MRV in Mineiro semi-final | OneFootball

The first semifinal match of the Campeonato Mineiro ended in a draw. On Sunday night (22), at Arena MRV, Atlético finished 1-1 with América, leaving the decision of who advances to the final completely open.

Dudu opened the scoring for Galo at 6 minutes into the second half, but Yarlen, already at 48 minutes of the final stage, leveled the score. The teams will face each other again next Sunday (01), at 6:00 PM, at Estádio Independência. Whoever wins secures a spot in the big state final. Another draw will take the decision to a penalty shootout.

THE MATCH

The first half was marked by a lot of balance and few clear chances at Arena MRV. With a well-defined strategy of defending and exploiting counterattacks, América managed to block Atlético’s main offensive moves, who struggled to break into the opponent’s area.

The best opportunities of the first half came from set pieces. On América’s side, Willian Bigode unleashed a rocket from a free kick, forcing Everson to make a great save. In Atlético’s response, Hulk also took a direct free kick, requiring an excellent intervention from Gustavo, who prevented the Atlético goal.

After the break, Atlético came out more aggressively and began to control the game. The pressure paid off just 6 minutes in. After a good exchange of passes in the attacking third, Scarpa found Dudu, who was left unmarked and, as the goalkeeper came out, slotted the ball into the corner to open the scoring.

Galo kept pressing and had chances to extend the lead. Hulk, after an excellent cross from Scarpa, hit the crossbar. Bernard and Vitor Hugo also threatened, but couldn’t turn their dominance into a second goal.

When victory seemed assured, América found strength in stoppage time. Yago Souza surged through the middle, got past Igor Gomes, left Tressoldi behind, and set up Yarlen. The young striker broke into the box and fired a powerful shot into Everson’s top corner, leaving the Atlético goalkeeper with no chance, tying the game at 48 minutes.WHAT’S NEXT…

Before the decisive semifinal match of the Mineiro, Atlético switches focus and turns its attention to the Brazilian Championship. Next Wednesday (25), the team faces Grêmio in Porto Alegre, at 9:30 PM, for the 4th round of the national competition.

The decisive match against América takes place on Sunday (01), at Independência. If either team wins, a spot in the final is guaranteed. If the draw persists, the finalist will be decided by penalties.

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