Atletico-MG beats Santos on penalties to reach Sudamericana semis

Atletico-MG overturned a two-goal first-leg deficit to eliminate Santos 4-2 on the night and 3-1 on penalties, advancing to the Copa Sudamericana semi-finals at Arena MRV on Wednesday. The aggregate score finished 4-4 after 90 minutes.

Goalkeeper Gabriel Delfim, standing in for the injured Everson, became the hero by saving penalties from Gabigol, Joao Schmidt and Arthur. Only Giuliano Bontempo converted for Santos, while Thiago Borbas scored the decisive kick for Atletico.

“We see Delfim every day, how he trains and prepares. We have one of the most important goalkeepers in the country, Everson, but the whole group also sees Delfim's work. We took the field knowing our goalkeeper's qualities.”

Bernard opened the scoring after just 17 seconds, the fastest goal in Arena MRV history. Reinier added a first-half brace, assisted twice by Fred, while Lyanco's own goal briefly restored Santos' aggregate lead.

Gabigol pulled one back for Santos in the second half, but Tomas Cuello equalised in the 92nd minute to force the shootout. Atletico will face the winner of Thursday's tie between Cienciano of Peru and Montevideo City Torque of Uruguay.