Brazil: Atlético Mineiro clinches Copa Sudamericana quarterfinal spot with late equalizer

Atlético Mineiro narrowly advanced to the Copa Sudamericana quarterfinals after a tense 2-2 draw against Bragantino, securing a 3-2 aggregate victory. The Brazilian club endured a challenging night at the Arena MRV, with goalkeeper Everson making crucial saves to keep them in contention.

Bragantino, needing to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg, started strongly and dominated much of the first half. Paraguayan forward Isidro Pitta tested Mineiro's Everson early on, with the goalkeeper also denying shots from Lucas Barbosa and Juninho Capixaba. Mineiro's offense struggled, with only Bernard posing a threat. Bragantino eventually took the lead just before halftime through Eric Ramires, assisted by Barbosa, leveling the aggregate score.

Mineiro showed improved intensity after the break, equalizing in the 52nd minute. Maycon capitalized on a defensive clearance following a corner, firing a powerful shot into the net from the edge of the area. The match then became a back-and-forth affair, with Bragantino maintaining possession-based play while Mineiro focused on counterattacks.

Bragantino regained the lead in the 81st minute when Eduardo Sasha headed in a corner, putting them ahead 2-1 on the night and 3-2 on aggregate. However, in the 93rd minute, Argentine forward Tomás Cuello scored the decisive equalizer, sparking celebrations among the home fans and securing Mineiro's progression. They now await the winner of the series between Santos and Macará.