Atlético Mineiro on the Brink of Glory: Can They Conquer the Copa Libertadores

Buenos Aires – (AFP)

Brazilians Atlético Mineiro are through to the final of the South American Football Libertadores Cup after a 0-0 draw with Argentine hosts Riverplate at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.
Atlético Mineiro, the 2013 title holders, went a long way to reach the final after winning the first leg 3-0 at home thanks to a brace from veteran Deverson and a third goal from Paulinho.
In the second leg, coach Marcelo Gallardo’s side controlled proceedings and had 35 shots on goal for Atlético, compared to five times for the Brazilian team. But the Argentinian team could not score against the strong defense of the Atletico squad led by former Argentina international defender Gabriel Milito.
In the final, Atlético Mineiro will face the winner between fellow countrymen Botafogo and Peñarol of Uruguay on Wednesday.
After Botafogo’s emphatic 5-0 win in the first leg, which saw them on the brink of the final for the first time in history, the final will likely be against the Brazilians for the fourth time in the past five years.
Brazilian teams have dominated the Champions League parallel tournament titles over the past five years, with Argentine Independiente holding the record with seven titles, ahead of compatriots Boca Juniors (6) and Penarol (5).