Athletico-PR x Atlético-MG: 23 years later, remember the first confrontation between the teams in the Copa Libertadores

The clash this Tuesday (18) between Athletico and Atlético, at 21:00, in the Arena da Baixada, will be the second between the teams for the Copa Libertadores. Today’s duel, valid for the second round of group G, takes place 23 years after the first meeting of the clubs in the biggest continental tournament in America.

In 2000, Hurricane and Galo faced each other in two games for the round of 16 of that edition of the South American tournament. In the first leg played in Belo Horizonte, Atlético won 1-0 at Mineirão. In Curitiba, Athletico gave the change and won by 2-1 at Arena da Baixada, taking the decision to penalties, won by the Minas Gerais club by 5-3.

While tonight’s game will be just the second of six matches each club will play in the group stage, the historic clash 23 years ago decided a knockout round. One of Atlético’s characters in that confrontation, Marques recalled the duels against Athletico.

In an interview with Rádio Itatiaia, the former striker – who is Alvinegro’s top scorer in games against the club from Paraná, with five goals – said he had very happy memories of the time and told how it was to eliminate Hurricane in the crowded Arena da Baixada.

In the penalty shootout, all Atlético players scored their goals, while Adriano Gabiru wasted the penalty that culminated in the fall of the red-blacks. “They were very balanced (the games). A beautiful move by André and I scored our goal, which led to penalties. We hit them all and they lost with Gabiru”said Marks.

The former Galo striker, who is fondly remembered by most of the fans and considered an idol by many at the club, also spoke about expectations for today’s game. “It will be no different (tonight), it has already become synonymous with balance and it is a traditional duel here in Brazilian football”he said.

Marques also commented that he expects difficulties for the club from Minas Gerais in tonight’s match and praised the Hurricane fans, saying that they are used to pressing and filling the stadium.

Featured photo: Galo and Hurricane for Libertadores, in 2000. Reproduction/SE