Ronaldinho could not hide his emotion after helping Atlético Mineiro reach the final of the Copa Libertadores for the first time ever.
The Brazilian side faced a two-goal deficit after the first leg against Argentine side Newell’s Old Boys, but the veteran playmaker set up Bernard with a sensational pass, before Guilherme forced the tie to be settled in a shootout.
Ronaldinho put Atlético ahead with his side’s last penalty before Victor saved the final spot-kick from former Liverpool winger Maxi Rodriguez, and the former Barcelona star was overwhelmed after the match.
“We are ecstatic. It’s an amazing feeling. We are all conscious of the fact that we can make history,” said the 33-year-old.
“It is the first time in the club’s history that we have made the final of this competition. It’s a happiness I can’t explain.
“This is what motivates me to play; to keep winning titles that I haven’t won. I still feel like a kid.”
Atlético will meet three-times South American champions Olimpia of Paraguay in the final over two legs on July 17 and 24.
They will be looking for Brazil’s fourth consecutive Libertadores Cup title after victories by Internacional, Santos and Corinthians in the last three years.
Ronaldinho added: “We are going to be motivated and prepared for the final. This result tonight is not just for the players but for the entire club.
“There are people who work in the kitchen, cleaners and backroom staff that have been here for many years and never seen the club make it this far. We want to make history.”
