Atlético go 2-0 up but are held to a draw by Bolívar | OneFootball

Atlético achieved a good result on the night of this Wednesday (17). Playing at the altitude of La Paz, the team from Minas Gerais ended in a 2-2 draw with Bolívar. However, the result left a bitter taste for the team from Minas, as with goals from Alexsander and Vitor Hugo, Galo managed to take a 2-0 lead in the first half.

In the second half, the game changed. If in the first 45 minutes Atlético managed to withstand the pressure from the Bolivian team, which had to rely on medium and long-distance shots, in the second half Jorge Sampaoli's men started losing steam and saw the home team's pressure increase.

Just 3 minutes in, Robson Matheus took advantage of one of the major issues in the black-and-white defensive system and reduced the deficit. After a corner kick from the left side by Carlos Melgar, the midfielder rose alone to head the ball into the back of the net.

When it seemed the pressure would increase, defender Gariglio was sent off at the 12th minute after a foul on Caio Paulista.

However, the numerical superiority on the field was not enough, and Bolívar continued attacking. At the 25th minute, after the ball hit Lyanco's arm and the referee awarded a penalty, Cauteruccio took the shot and hit the crossbar. Then, at 43', another penalty was awarded after Igor Gomes' handball, and Romero, with great skill, did not waste the opportunity.

In stoppage time, Galo still had a clear chance to leave the Bolivian capital with a victory, but Hulk, free in the small area, ended up shooting over the bar after a cross from Igor Gomes.

With this result, Atlético and Bolívar need a simple victory in the return match at Arena MRV to secure a spot in the Copa Sudamericana semifinals. Another draw will take the decision to a penalty shootout. The match takes place next Wednesday (24), at 7:00 PM.

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