Atlético Mineiro sealed their place in the Copa Sudamericana final after a convincing 3–1 victory over Independiente del Valle in Belo Horizonte. With goals from Guilherme Arana, Bernard, and Hulk, the Brazilian side confirmed their dominance and became the tournament’s first finalist, where they will face the winner between Universidad de Chile and Lanús on November 22 in Asunción.

Arana and Bernard Light Up the Mineirão

Managed by Jorge Sampaoli, Atlético Mineiro came out determined to win from the opening whistle. After a 1–1 draw in the first leg in Quito, the Brazilians knew that a home victory would send them to the grand final—and they delivered a commanding performance in front of their fans.

Atlético Mineiro imposed their rhythm early, pressing high and creating danger with an attack led by Dudu, Rony, and Bernard. The first big chance came just a minute in, when Guilherme Arana unleashed a powerful shot that goalkeeper Guido Villar tipped over the bar. Moments later, Paraguayan defender Junior Alonso forced another save from the Ecuadorian keeper with a close-range header.

Their persistence paid off in the 35th minute. After a series of rebounds in the box, Dudu recovered the ball and set up Arana, who finished precisely to open the scoring. Just seven minutes later, Bernard doubled the lead following another assist from Dudu, who capped off an outstanding first half.

Hulk Seals the Series

In the second half, Atlético Mineiro slowed the tempo and allowed Independiente del Valle to push forward. Spanish coach Javier Rabanal advanced his lines, and the Ecuadorian side began to threaten. In the 63rd minute, Claudio Spinelli pounced on a rebound from Everson after a shot by Arroyo, scoring to make it 2–1 and briefly reviving the visitors’ hopes.

However, that hope was short-lived. At the 70-minute mark, veteran striker Hulk, who had come off the bench, sealed the win with a brilliant finish after a counterattack led by Junior Alonso. The 3–1 scoreline was the final blow for Independiente del Valle, who failed to maintain the intensity shown in the first leg and missed key players Andy Velasco and Juan Cazares.

The Brazilian champions now turn their focus to the Copa Sudamericana final, chasing their first international trophy of the year. Blending experience and attacking flair, Sampaoli’s men head into the final in top form, determined to lift the 2025 Copa Sudamericana and close their season in glory.