Atlético Mineiro nearly earned all three points against Paraguayan team Nacional in the Copa Libertadores last night but they conceded in the 87th minute to draw 2-2 away from home.
Galo were 2-1 up for long periods of the match after Josué and Jô had given them a first half lead but despite allowing the host to equalise they are still top of Group Four.
It was the host that went ahead early on with Marcos Melgarejo slotting home after only nine minutes but the Brazilians found an answer to silence the passion spectators.
Ronaldinho has been criticised for his early season form as he was yet to register a goal or assist prior to this match but he corrected that against Nacional.
Josué was the profiteer as he drilled in the equaliser following Ronaldinho’s pass before five minutes later, in the 27th minute, former Manchester City striker Jô gave Atlético the lead.
Jesús Dátolo played a nice 1-2 with Ronaldinho before driving into the box and playing across goal for Jô to tap in.
It was the national team strikers 3rd goal in this season’s Libertadores but he and his team mates weren’t able to find the third goal.
And they were punished when Argentine Nicolás Otamendi was adjudged to have handled inside the box and Silvio Torales fired straight down the middle to earn the Paraguayan’s a point.
Although disappointment in the end for Atlético they only really need to defeat Nacional in the next round of matches to secure a place in the Libertadores knock-out stages and continue their aim of retaining the trophy.
