📝Atlético Mineiro 3-2 Danubio: Atlético survive Libertadores scare | OneFootball

Atlético Mineiro fended off a second-half rally from Danubio to win 3-2 (5-4 aggregate) and advance to the final round of the Copa Libertadores play-off stage.

Atlético Mineiro will face Defensor Sporting (Uruguay) for a spot in the Libertadores group stage after they defeated Barcelona (Ecuador) 3-1 on aggregate.

Though Barcelona won the first leg 2-1, Defensor Sporting were awarded a 3-0 victory due to the fact that the Ecuadorians fielded an ineligible player.

Atlético were gifted the opening goal 15 minutes into the match after Luan capitalised on a goalkeeping error.

10 minutes later, Ricardo Oliveira was taken down in the box and Atlético were awarded a penalty.

The 38-year-old stepped up to the spot and doubled Atlético’s aggregate advantage.

Two minutes later, Oliveira completed his brace and gave his side a whopping 5-2 aggregate lead within the first half-hour.

The striker circled the goalkeeper and delicately placed his shot in the far corner.

Danubio would rally, however, and nearly completed an astonishing comeback.

Just before the two sides went into the dressing room, Carlos Grossmüller converted a penalty for the visitors and cut the aggregate deficit to 5-3.

Just before the hour mark, Atlético were given a real scare when Danubio’s Pablo Morales hit a screamer into the top corner from outside the area to put the Uruguayans within a goal of advancing.

Atlético held firm and were able to survive the final half hour and will now advance to the third and final qualifying round.

The third round will commence next Tuesday, 19 February.