A pulsating Brasileirão Série A encounter saw Atlético Mineiro narrowly defeat Fortaleza 3-2 in a match filled with drama at the Arena MRV. The game, a rescheduled fixture, kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
Atlético-MG Takes Early Lead
Atlético-MG started strong, with Hulk opening the scoring in the 7th minute, converting a cross from Rony. Vitor Hugo extended their lead just before halftime, heading home from a Bernard corner in the 46th minute. The home side looked comfortable heading into the break.
Fortaleza Fights Back
Fortaleza, however, came out fighting in the second half. Deyverson reduced the deficit just one minute after the restart, latching onto a long ball and slotting it past the keeper. But Atlético-MG responded swiftly, with Dudu firing home a powerful shot in the 15th minute after a Fortaleza defensive error, making it 3-1.
VAR Drama and Late Penalty
The drama wasn't over. In the 19th minute, the referee, after consulting VAR, awarded Fortaleza a penalty for a collision between Ruan and Gastón. Deyverson stepped up and coolly converted the penalty in the 21st minute, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and making it 3-2. Fortaleza pressed hard for an equaliser in the remaining minutes, but Atlético-MG held on for the victory.
The match also saw yellow cards issued to Ruan and Atlético-MG coach Sampaoli, reflecting the intensity of the contest. This result moves Atlético-MG up the table, while Fortaleza will be disappointed to leave Belo Horizonte empty-handed after a spirited performance.