Atlético-MG holds draw with San Lorenzo and will decide the quarterfinal spot at home

On Tuesday night (13), in the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores da América, San Lorenzo and Atlético Mineiro faced each other in the historic Nuevo Gasómetro stadium, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The clash, marked by tension and the tradition of both teams, took place on the same stage that, exactly 10 years ago, saw San Lorenzo win its first and only Libertadores title to date.

In a lively game, the teams finished 1-1. Goals were scored by Cuello (SLO) and Paulinho (CAM).

How was the first leg?

From the first whistle, the match was intense. The home team, San Lorenzo, imposed a strong and suffocating marking, pressuring Atlético Mineiro and making their plays difficult. Galo managed to get their first shot on goal with Paulinho, but the opposing goalkeeper made a calm save.

In the 16th minute, Saravia made a mistake when releasing the ball. Reali took advantage and crossed accurately into the area, where Cuello, unmarked, headed the ball into the back of the net, opening the scoring for San Lorenzo.

Atlético had space to work with the ball, but were unable to break free from San Lorenzo's marking, taking risks mainly with throws that were intercepted by the team's goalkeeper.

On the other hand, San Lorenzo adopted a more reactive stance, betting on counterattacks. However, although they managed to exploit the spaces left by Atlético, the Argentine team was unable to create clear chances to extend their lead on the scoreboard.

The first half generally had few clear goal opportunities. Even so, San Lorenzo showed superiority, dominating in terms of play volume and, mainly, in terms of defensive effort. The home team managed to neutralize Atlético Mineiro's main players, standing out for their intense marking and ability to impose their rhythm on the match.

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_{Cuello celebrates scoring a goal in the 16th minute (Reproduction/Gettyimages Embed)}

Paulinho scores and makes history

The second half brought a significant change in Atlético Mineiro's stance. With the same starting lineup, Galo managed to impose its rhythm, dominating possession of the ball and pressuring San Lorenzo in their defensive field, and began to consolidate its presence in the attack, creating clear goal opportunities.

In the 12th minute, the pressure finally paid off. Fausto Vera took a powerful shot from outside the area, forcing goalkeeper Altamirano to make a difficult save. The ball, which was deflected to the side, was quickly seized by Paulinho, who, showing great opportunism, finished with precision to tie the match. This was the club's 200th goal in the history of the Copa Libertadores.

Despite Galo's dominance for most of the second half, San Lorenzo tried to change the score in their favor until the last minutes, but failed in the final pass. With a solid defense, Galo managed to contain the opponent's attacks and secure the draw, taking home an important result away from home.

The draw away from home leaves the decision open for the return game that will be played at Arena MRV, the ball will roll next Tuesday (20/8) starting at 9:30 pm, Brasília time.

Featured photo: Atlético-MG team Reproduction/ Gettyimages Embed