Hulk misses penalty in semi-final first leg draw
Brazil international Hulk missed a first-half penalty as Atletico Mineiro grabbed a 0-0 draw away to reigning champion Palmeiras in the first leg of their Copa Libertadores semi final.
Hulk, who has netted seven goals in this season's edition, sent Palmeiras goalkeeper Weverton the wrong way with his low 42nd-minute spotkick but his effort cannoned into the post.
In a game where neither goalkeeper was legitimately tested, Atletico had the better of the chances at Sao Paulo's Allianz Parque, with 11 shots to Palmeiras' four but could not make them count.
Luan dragged an early left-foot shot wide for the visitors, while Palmeiras' best first-half opportunity came from Rony with an off-target effort.
Paraguayan defender Gustavo Gomez scythed down Diego Costa inside the box, offering Atletico an opportunity from the spot, but Hulk fluffed the chance.
Hulk sought redemption in the second half, lashing a powerful long-distance strike over Weverton's crossbar.
The 35-year-old former Porto forward also fizzed a left-foot free-kick past a diving Weverton but wide again late.
The second leg will take next Wednesday (AEST) in Belo Horizonte, with the winner to take either Flamengo or Ecuadorian club Barcelona in the final on 27 November in Montevideo.
