Atlético Mineiro earned a crucial win on Thursday, coming from behind to beat Godoy Cruz 2-1 at the Arena MRV in Belo Horizonte in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana round of 16. The decisive goal came in the dying minutes from Hulk, giving the Brazilian side a narrow lead ahead of the return leg on August 21 at the Feliciano Gambarte Stadium.

Godoy Cruz strikes first

The match started with high intensity, with Godoy Cruz on the front foot in the first half and Mineiro focused on closing spaces. The Argentine side’s pressure paid off in the 36th minute when Santiago Andino capitalized on a mistake from Paraguayan defender Junior Alonso to score past Everson.

The Galo responded quickly, and just ten minutes later, Guilherme Arana fired the ball into the net from a rebound spilled by Franco Petroli. However, VAR ruled the goal out for an earlier offside, keeping the visitors ahead at halftime.

Hulk’s late winner

Coach Cuca made key halftime changes to boost his side’s attack. The plan paid off in the 66th minute when Tomás Cuello, assisted by Arana, beat the goalkeeper to level the match.

The goal fired up the home side, who kept pushing in the final minutes. Their persistence was rewarded in the 89th minute, when Hulk controlled a precise pass inside the box and powered in the winner, sending the Belo Horizonte crowd into raptures.

Slim lead, open tie

With this result, Atlético Mineiro will advance to the quarterfinals if they secure at least a draw in Argentina. A one-goal win for Godoy Cruz would force a penalty shootout. The return leg in Mendoza promises a tense battle as both teams fight for a spot in the next round.