Atlético Mineiro secured their place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Copa Sudamericana after defeating Godoy Cruz once again, this time in Mendoza with a 0-1 victory. With a 3-1 aggregate score, the Brazilian side advanced to the next round, where they will face Bolivia’s Bolívar. The hero of the night was Natanael, who scored the only goal of the match with a precise strike early in the second half.

A match full of controversy and an unexpected hero

The night at the Estadio Feliciano Gambarte, making its international debut, began with controversy. Just three minutes in, Chilean referee Felipe González awarded a penalty for a handball by Vitor Hugo, but after reviewing the play on VAR, he overturned his decision.

El Tomba had clear chances to open the scoring. First with a shot from Roberto Fernández that forced a save from goalkeeper Everson, and later with a one-on-one opportunity for Santino Andino, once again denied by the visiting keeper. Shortly before halftime, another attempt from Agustín Auzmendi was also stopped by the ever-reliable Everson.

The decisive response came right after the restart. In the 48th minute, a loose ball fell to Natanael, who drove into the box and fired an unstoppable low shot past Franco Petroli, silencing the stadium and giving Galo the crucial advantage.

Atlético Mineiro set their sights on Bolívar

With the lead secured, Cuca’s team controlled the tempo, managed the clock, and ensured qualification. Even when Lucas Arce tried his luck with a long-range effort in the closing minutes, Everson produced another key save, cementing his role as man of the match.

In stoppage time, Walter Montoya left the Mendoza side with ten men after a violent foul on Alan Franco, which was punished with a straight red card following VAR review.

The victory keeps Atlético Mineiro alive on the international stage and allows them to shift their focus to the upcoming clash with Bolívar, who emphatically eliminated Cienciano. In addition, Galo will look to improve their standing in the Brasileirão, where they sit mid-table, and gain confidence ahead of their quarter-final clash in the Copa do Brasil against Cruzeiro.