Thursday, March 28, 2024

Copa Libertadores Wrap: Mineiro advance, Cruzeiro claim important win

SoccerNews in General Soccer News 4 Apr 2014

54 Views

Atletico Mineiro moved into the Copa Libertadores last 16 as Cruzeiro stayed alive in the group stages on Thursday.

A 1-1 draw at Santa Fe was enough for defending champions Mineiro to seal their progression from Group 4.

The Brazilian giants (nine points, +2 goal difference) may yet finish second in the group, with Zamora (seven, +1), Santa Fe (five, +0) and Nacional Asuncion (5, -3) behind them.

But a draw was all they needed at the Estadio El Campin, and they set it up early on.

Jo and Guilherme played a lovely one-two just outside the area and the latter finished with a smart low shot past Camilo Vargas on eight minutes.

The Colombians would make for a nervous finish, however, as they pulled a goal back in the 63rd minute.

Dario Mosquera’s wonderful cross from the left found Jefferson Cuero unmarked and the attacker headed in from close range.

With a trip to Asuncion on the final matchday, Santa Fe will fancy their chances of progressing despite failing to find a winning goal against Mineiro.

On a good day for the Brazilian sides, Cruzeiro kept their chances alive in Group 5 with a 2-0 win at Universidad Chile.

Bruno Rodrigo and Miguel Samudio scored first-half goals at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos.

Both teams finished the encounter with 10 men as Cruzeiro (seven, +3) closed in on Defensor Sporting (10, +6) and Universidad Chile (nine, -3).

Real Garcilaso (three, -6) are bottom of the group.

Needing a win, Cruzeiro took a 16th-minute lead as Rodrigo headed in a Dagoberto free-kick from the right.

The lead was doubled five minutes before half-time after a fine team move which led to Ricardo Goulart playing in Samudio, who finished well in the one-on-one.

Universidad’s Matias Caruzzo and Samudio were both sent off in the dying stages.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SoccerNews

Soccernews.com is news blog for soccer with comprehensive coverage of all the major leagues in Europe, as well as MLS in the United States. In addition we offer breaking news for transfers and transfer rumors, ticket sales, betting tips and offers, match previews, and in-depth editorials.

You can follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/soccernews.com or Twitter: @soccernewsfeed.

SHARE OR COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE

WE RECOMMEND

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This field is required *

Join the conversation!

or Register

Live Scores

advertisement

Betting Guide Advertisement

advertisement

Become a Writer
More More
Top