This Wednesday the great game of the quarterfinals was played in the Copa Libertadores 2021. River Plate, with Jorge Carrascal from the start, received Atlético Mineiro de Hulk and ‘Nacho’ Fernández in the Monumental (first leg).
As happened in the round of 16 against Boca Juniors, Mineiro appealed to his defensive strength to endure and overcome the constant onslaught of the rival. Likewise, he looked for spaces for an eventual backlash.
River, with the clear script, attacked from all sides. The bands were widely used for the projection of the wings and in the middle Carrascal, Zuculini and De La Cruz sought to win in the 1 vs 1.
Based on the above, the homeowner made two interesting approaches in the first ten minutes. The ‘punch’ was missing.
The clearest came at minute 31 and was from Millo. Angileri overflowed at pure speed through the left sector, sent a measured center that Romero connected very well, but Everson as he could control.
The second part began with a change from heaven to earth. This time, the foreigners came out determined to seek the opening of the scoreboard. In just three minutes, two very clear arrivals. Three, if the first 10 ‘are counted.
First, an extraordinary shot from Chilean Vargas that Armani evacuated at the corner kick; second, a volley from Arana that the local defense covered with the just; third, another shot by Vargas, this time flush, which the ex-Nacional goalkeeper stopped on pure reflex.
At 58 ‘, the terrible news arrived for the Argentine team. Zaracho sent a rained center from the right, Hulk at the far post lowered it and ‘Nacho’, behind everyone, released a powerful shot that deflected at Díaz and entered the portico. Cold water flushed by the inexorable ‘Law of the Ex’.
Eight minutes later, Mineiro narrowly scored the goal of the tournament. In a counter led by Hulk, Allan received on the left wing, saw Armani come out and tried to sting her from about 35 meters … The ball crashed into the crossbar.
River was completely lost. He could not take possession, much less generate some danger in someone else’s territory. The visitors, totally comfortable, handled the rhythm at will, took advantage of the quiet ball through the Hulk and did not suffer.
The great controversy reached 80 ‘. After a cross pass, ‘Nacho’ hit Angileri with a very strong shot from the left side. Referee Valenzuela reviewed the action in the VAR and although it was not effectively a penalty, it was a direct red for the aggressor.
After four minutes of review, the free kick was executed by Álvarez. His shot was adjusted to the right post and Everson, with his nails, sent the corner kick. Complete miracle. Moments later, coach Cuca sent Colombian Dylan Borrero to the field.
In the last of regulation time, Réver, recently entered, headed freely after a corner kick and Armani miraculously saved.
Finally Mineiro won a crucial victory for Argentine territory. Valuable 0-1 that allows him to define the qualification to the semifinals next Wednesday at the Mineirão Stadium.
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