Off the wire
• China unveils stricter measures targeting winter air pollution  • Feature: Britons spend a tenth of income on food, compared to 24 pct in 1974  • China's defense facilities on Yongxing "not news": spokesman  • Australian Warren Richardson wins World Press Photo 2015  • Chinese shipping giant officially established after restructuring  • OECD downgrades forecast of 2016 global growth to 3 pct  • China urges impartial handling of issue concerning ICBC Madrid offices  • Teenager Chi claims first ever cross-country Olympic medal for China at Lillehammer YOG (updated)  • Malaysia needs more independent thinking on China: former envoy  • Aid agency flays alleged attack of Afghan troops to health clinic  
You are here: 　 Home

Mineiro beat Melgar 2-1 in their Copa Libertadores group opener

Xinhua, February 18, 2016 Adjust font size:

Atletico Mineiro came from behind to beat Melgar 2-1 in their Copa Libertadores opening group game on Wednesday in Peru.

The Brazilian club, and 2013 Libertadores winners, controlled the majority of the contest and refused to buckle despite suffering the setback of going a goal down early on.

The experience of the club's four successive campaigns in South America's premier club competition told on the night, Rafael Carioca levelling with a stunning long-range effort.

And Atletico went in front before the interval in an action-packed first 45 minutes. Right-back Patric, who had already missed two good chances to find the back of the net, calmly evaded two opponents to make it 2-1.

The game slowed in the second half as fatigue began to take its toll. The altitude clearly affected the players, the match being played at 2,300 metres above sea level.

But Leonardo Silva and Erazo held firm at the back to secure an excellent three points as Atletico go in search of their second Libertadores crown.

Next up for the Brazilian club in the tournament is a home game against Independiente del Valle at the Independencia Stadium in Belo Horizonte. Enditem