Copa Libertadores: Atlético Mineiro win first title after beating Olimpia on penalties

The Brazilian outfit trailed 2-0 after the first leg in Asuncion, Paraguay, last week, but managed to pull a goal back shortly after half time through Jô. The former Manchester City striker took advantage of a poor clearance from Olimpia and fired the ball home on the turn from 12 yards out. Atlético kept pushing […]
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sambafoot_admin
2013-07-25 12:00:00

The Brazilian outfit trailed 2-0 after the first leg in Asuncion, Paraguay, last week, but managed to pull a goal back shortly after half time through .

The former Manchester City striker took advantage of a poor clearance from Olimpia and fired the ball home on the turn from 12 yards out.

Atlético kept pushing for an equaliser but as the second half wore on, as Leonardo Silva hit the crossbar in the 59th minute and Olimpia goalkeeper Martin Silva made a number of important saves, including a brilliant stop to deny a deflected Ronaldinho effort in the 78th minute.

Olimpia looked like they may collect their fourth title until Julio Manzur was shown a second yellow card in the 85th minute for taking out Alecsandro, with the forward about to beat him in a dangerous position.

The decision gave the hosts momentum and just two minutes later they drew level as Bernard, who is now expected to move to Europe, crossed towards the far post and Leonardo Silva leapt highest to head into the top corner of the Olimpia net.

Atlético made their extra man advantage count during extra time and Rever hit the crossbar, before Herminio Miranda cleared a shot off the line with a well-timed interception.

But Cuca’s side were unable to find a breakthrough and the tie went to a penalty shootout, with Atlético goalkeeper Victor saving Herminio Miranda’s opening spot kick.

Alecsandro, Guilherme, Jô and Silva all converted their spot kicks for Atlético before Olimpia’s Matias Gimenez hit the post, sparking wild celebrations by a 60,000 crowd at the Mineirão in Belo Horizonte.

The victory marked a fourth successive Brazilian winner in South America’s elite club competition and put Atlético into the Club World Cup in December.

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