Atlético Mineiro reached the Copa Libertadores final after a goalless draw against River Plate on Tuesday (3-0 on aggregate).
Thanks to a dominant win in the first leg, the Brazilian club were in the driver’s seat as they walked into what they would have expected to be a crazy atmosphere—and crazy it was.
River Plate fans drenched the Estadio Mâs Monumental with fireworks, flares, and deafening cheers to rally their side into a historic turnaround. The scenes created discussion over whether it was the best entrance to a football stadium ever.
The hosts used that support to control the second leg, but their performance was sub-par. The Argentine club registered a stunning 16 shots to one in the first 45 minutes, but only two attempts found the target.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Franco Armani was forced into action a handful of times to deny Deyverson and saved an effort on the line against the run of play.
Time favoured Atlético Mineiro and pressured River plate in the second half. Unsurprisingly, the hosts dominated the match statistically, racking up a total of 35 attempts alongside introducing five substitutes.
But it all ended in heartbreak by the final whistle, as Atlético Mineiro’s defensive game plan prevented any attempts to ignite a comeback. Goalkeeper Everson saved all six of River Plate’s efforts on target, led by Maximiliano Meza and Claudio Echeverri.
The Brazilian side will now face either Penarol or Botafogo in the final.
