Galo beat Athletico-PR at Arena MRV, make it two straight and near G-5 | OneFootball

Atlético confirmed their good form and beat Athletico Paranaense 2-1 this Sunday (05) at Arena MRV, in a match valid for the 10th round of the Brazilian Série A Championship. The black-and-white side’s goals were scored by Victor Hugo and Gustavo Scarpa, while Julimar pulled one back for the visitors.

With the result, Galo reached 14 points, moved ahead of direct rivals such as Vasco and Botafogo, and climbed to 8th place. The Minas Gerais side also closed the gap to the top five: they are now just three points behind Flamengo.

THE MATCH

Coach Eduardo Domínguez made changes compared to the team that thrashed Chapecoense in midweek. Vitor Hugo was given a chance in place of Lyanco, while Alan Franco came in for Bernard.

And once again, Atlético started at a high tempo. Just as in Chapecó, the team completely dominated the first half, creating attacking pressure and piling up shots — 11 compared to just 3 from the opponent.

The dominance turned into a goal after just five minutes. After a counterattack down the left, Cuello found Hulk, who got a shot away. The ball deflected off the defense and fell to Victor Hugo, who struck low, got a deflection, and opened the scoring. Even with their superiority and other good chances created, Galo could not extend the lead before halftime.

After the break, Furacão grew into the match and started to enjoy more possession. Even so, Atlético showed defensive improvement, stayed organized, and gave the opposition virtually no space to threaten goalkeeper Everson.

The second goal came in the 34th minute. Natanael intercepted an attempted switch of play and passed to Scarpa. The midfielder drove forward and tried his luck from outside the box. The ball took a deflection off the defense and ended up in the back of the net, extending the black-and-white side’s lead.

The match seemed under control, but in the 42nd minute Athletico-PR cut the deficit. After a corner taken by João Cruz, Julimar appeared unmarked and headed across goal, leaving Everson with no chance, with the ball still hitting the post before going in.

Despite the late scare, Atlético managed the remaining minutes well and secured another three points at home.

WHAT’S NEXT…

Atlético return to action next Wednesday (08), when they make their Copa Sudamericana debut against Puerto Cabello in Venezuela, at 11 p.m., at Misael Delgado Stadium.

In the Brasileirão, their next fixture will be on Saturday (11), away from home, against Santos Futebol Clube at Vila Belmiro, at 8 p.m.

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