Sampaoli hails Atlético-MG’s display, eyes Copa Sul-Americana glory | OneFootball

At Arena MRV, Atlético-MG qualified for the final of the Copa Sudamericana this Tuesday, after defeating Independiente del Valle 3-1. Coach Jorge Sampaoli celebrated the team's performance and set his sights on winning the continental tournament, aiming to compete in the Libertadores next season.

“It was a game where everything went as we planned. We were clearly superior. It was one of the best first halves the team has played since I arrived… I’m very happy about that,” said Sampaoli in a press conference.

With absolute dominance in the first half, Atlético-MG secured its spot in the final within the first 45 minutes. With a standout performance from Dudu, who provided two assists, Arana and Bernard scored the goals that gave Galo the early advantage.

Despite a scare in the second half, with Spinelli’s goal, Hulk ended his goal drought and sealed the match in the 27th minute.

On the road to the title

Asked about the final, Sampaoli naturally has his eyes on the trophy, hoping for a performance similar to this Tuesday’s. In addition to the unprecedented achievement, the coach also wants to compete in the Copa Libertadores with Atlético-MG. Although this is his second stint at Galo, the Chilean has never competed in the main continental tournament with the team.

“We hope to have the same fighting spirit as today when we face the team (Del Valle). That lights our path, and the club can also enter the Copa Libertadores next year,” he added.

Atlético-MG in the Sudamericana

Now, Atlético-MG waits to find out its opponent in the Sudamericana final. The team from Minas Gerais will face the winner between Lanús and Universidad de Chile, who drew the first leg 2-2. The second leg will be this Thursday, at 7 p.m. (Brasília time), at Néstor Díaz Pérez in Argentina.

The Sudamericana final will be on November 22, with the time yet to be determined. The match will be in Asunción, Paraguay, and Conmebol will still decide the stadium.

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