Atlético suffer, nick late draw and rely on Everson in Copa do Brasil | OneFootball

Atlético are through to the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil. On a dramatic night at Arena Castelão in Fortaleza, Galo were beaten 2-1 by Ceará in regular time, but won 4-2 on penalties to secure qualification. Once again, Atlético’s great hero was goalkeeper Everson, who saved two spot-kicks and also converted the decisive penalty.

Having won the first leg in Belo Horizonte 2-1, Atlético went into the match needing only a draw to advance.

THE MATCH

The game began with a few surprises in Atlético’s starting lineup. Names such as Vitor Hugo, Cissé and Reinier were among the starters. But the scenario changed quickly. In the fourth minute, Cissé conceded a penalty and was sent off. From the spot, former Atlético player Alex Silva opened the scoring for Ceará.

What was already complicated got even worse in the 23rd minute. Fernandinho made a great run down the left and got his shot away. Renan Lodi tried to prevent the goal, but ended up kicking the ball off Everson’s back and into the net for an own goal, doubling the home side’s lead.

Even with the advantage, Ceará remained the better team and wasted important chances to score a third goal, which would have all but sealed qualification.

Atlético, on the other hand, offered very little going forward. The team’s first shot came only in the 41st minute of the second half, when Mateo Cassierra fired from outside the box, but sent it wide.

But just when elimination seemed certain, Galo found the strength to respond. In the 45th minute, Pascini received a pass from Cassierra, drove into the box and struck firmly to score the lifesaving goal, sending the tie to penalties.

In the shootout, Everson was decisive once again. The goalkeeper saved penalties from Rafael Ramos and Fernando, as well as converting the kick that confirmed Atlético’s place in the next round. For the black-and-white side, Lyanco, Cuello and Cassierra also scored. Atlético’s only missed penalty was taken by Alexsander and saved by goalkeeper Bruno Ferreira.

WHAT’S NEXT…

Now, Atlético put the Copa do Brasil aside and turn their attention back to the Brazilian Championship. The team’s next match will be on Saturday (16) at 6:30 p.m. against Mirassol Futebol Clube at Arena MRV.

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