Atlético-MG vs River Plate Prediction: Who will reach the final in Buenos Aires?

Atlético Mineiro and River Plate will meet in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores semi-finals with the shared dream of reaching the final. Atlético won the trophy back in 2013 when Ronaldinho Gaúcho was playing for the Belo Horizonte club. River Plate, on the other hand, is one of the most successful clubs in the competition, with four wins, the most recent in 2018.

The Miners are on a high after qualifying for the Copa do Brasil final. Last weekend, a draw away to Vasco da Gama was enough after a 1-0 win in the first leg. Atlético achieved its target with sacrifice as Hulk scored the equalizer in the 83rd minute to set the final score at 1-1. It was a classic Hulk goal, with a powerful left-footed shot from outside the area. The Rooster will meet Flamengo in the final, but for now, the club will try to reach another final. River Plate is a tricky opponent and perhaps the favorite to win the trophy, not least because the final of the Copa Libertadores will be held in its stadium, the Monumental.

The Millionaires haven't won for three games in the Primera División, and in the last round, they drew 1-1 at home to Velez Sársfield, the Second Phase leader. River Plate's priority is the Copa Libertadores, and that goal is even more desirable this year, given the opportunity to play the final at home. The Stripe is the only team of the four semi-finalists without a defeat in the tournament this year. In the four times Atlético Mineiro and River have met, the Brazilians have won three matches and lost one. A draw would be an excellent result for the Argentinians to decide their place in the final, with the support of their fans, in the second leg.

The game should be balanced and tactical, with River Plate taking a more defensive stance. In the Copa Libertadores, Atlético hasn't lost against Argentinian clubs for 13 matches and will be looking to eliminate River again, just like in 2021. However, River Plate is highly motivated because Conmebol has announced that the Monumental will host the final. This chance of a lifetime will give the Argentinians even more strength. I'm going for a draw.