Ronaldinho: Atletico Mineiro can make history

Atletico Mineiro forward Ronaldinho is hoping he and his team-mates can help “make history” by reaching the Copa Libertadores final.

The Brazilian club trail Newell’s Old Boys by two goals heading into the second leg of the teams’ semi-final tie, but will be hopeful of overturning that deficit at their Estadio Independencia home.

And Ronaldinho, who has featured in FIFA World Cup and UEFA Champions League finals with Brazil and Barcelona respectively, is hoping to play in another landmark fixture.

“It’s the most important match in the history of the club. Atletico Mineiro have never reached the Copa Libertadores final before,” he said.

“We have the opportunity to make history at a great club. At Flamengo I shared important moments, but this match against Newell’s is the most important for Mineiro. This is the reason why this game is massively important.”

Meanwhile, Ronaldinho’s Atletico Mineiro team-mate Leandro Donizete has backed his compatriot to shine in the upcoming clash with the Argentine club.

“Ronaldinho is accustomed to deciding important matches, like the UEFA Champions League,” he said.

“I hope he has a wonderful evening and puts the strikers in good positions to score. I hope he can score as well and at the end we make it through to the final.”