The second leg match in the Copa Libertadores semifinals, Atletico Mineiro vs Newell’s Old Boys, will take place this Wednesday, July 10, 2013 (5:30 PM PST) at the Estadio Independencia in Belo Horizonte. During the first leg, Newell’s was able to obtain a good margin over their Brazilian rivals with a 2-0 win. On Wednesday night, Ronaldinho and company will need to win by 3 goals in order to access the prestigious Copa Libertadores 2013 final.
The Argentine side will try to hold on to a 2-0 lead when they visit the always feared Independencia stadium. Atletico Mineiro has not lost there in over a year which lead fans to create the saying, “Caiu no horto ta morto” (fell in the garden, it’s dead). Newell’s will have to resist a loud stadium atmosphere, as well as a dynamic offense which includes Ronaldinho, Jo, Bernard, and Diego Tardelli.
Both squads have displayed great performances up to this point, but Atletico Mineiro has began to lag on its best weapon; offense. In the past three Libertadores matches they have been unable to win, as against Xolos of Tijuana they tied the first leg 2-2, the second 1-1, and lastly lost against Newell’s 2-0. There is much pressure in the team coached by Cuca, and if they play on Wednesday like they have in their past games, Atletico Mineiro will have no shot at the final.
The winner of this semifinals will play the winner between Independiente Santa Fe and Olimpia in the grand finale.
Atletico Mineiro vs Newell’s Old Boys Prediction
The Atletico Mineiro vs Newell’s Old Boys match will be one of the best matches thus far in the competition. In fact, this match could resemble something similar to the game where Xolos missed a late penalty kick at the Independencia which gave ATM their ticket to the semifinals. If the Brazilians have the championship’s luck, they will win 3-0 or 4-1 in dramatic fashion. Unfortunately for the fans who believe in their stadium’s power, Newell’s is a strong team and they will not seed 3 or 4 goals.
Newell’s seems to have found the ideal system needed to stop the powerful Brazilian attack, and if they can get past the loud fans, the Argentinian squad will go through into the final. The Atletico Mineiro vs Newell’s Old Boys match will end 3-1 in favor of the Brazilian; Newell’s will go through.
Atletico Mineiro vs Newell’s Old Boys Television
The Atletico Mineiro vs Newell’s Old Boys Copa Libertadores match will be televised this Wednesday, July 10, 2013 on Fox Deportes at 5:30 PM Pacific.
