Cienciano from Cusco pulled off a huge result on Thursday, earning a 1–1 draw away to Atlético Mineiro that allowed them to stay on top of Group G and qualify directly for the round of 16 in the Copa Sudamericana. With this result, the Brazilian side now has to play a playoff against Atlético Bucaramanga, one of the teams knocked out of the Copa Libertadores.

Back-and-forth battle in Belo Horizonte

The hosts came out flying, constantly pressing and testing the Peruvian defense. Roy had two goals ruled out by VAR, but it was Lyanco who finally opened the scoring with a header off a cross from Hulk, leaving keeper Ignacio Barrios with no chance. But right before halftime, Christián Cueva equalized from the penalty spot for Cienciano, after a late foul was called in stoppage time.

Under Argentine coach Carlos Decio, the visitors stayed compact and focused, despite Mineiro dominating possession and pushing for a winner. The Peruvian side finished the group stage with 10 points, just one ahead of the Brazilians, who had to settle for second place with 9. Caracas FC (8 points) and Deportes Iquique (4 points) were both knocked out.

Injuries, tension, and a huge result

It was a tough, physical game from the start. Just minutes in, Juan Romagnoli, one of Cienciano’s key attackers, had to be taken off in an ambulance after a nasty challenge from Patrick, who landed on his ankle. Uruguayan midfielder Agustín González came on to replace him and put in a solid shift with great energy.

Early in the second half, keeper Barrios also had to come off due to an eye issue, with Argentine shot-stopper Juan Cruz Bolado stepping in. Despite the setbacks, Cienciano stayed organized and even created chances — a powerful strike from González forced a big save from Everson, and Josué Estrada had a goal ruled out for offside.

Even though Atlético Mineiro controlled most of the game, the team from Cusco stood their ground and came away with a massive point that sees them top the group and move into the next round full of confidence.