Independiente del Valle Hosts Atlético Mineiro in Sul-Americana Semifinal

Belo Horizonte, Brazil — Atlético Mineiro faces Independiente del Valle on Tuesday, October 21, at 9:30 PM (Brasília time) at the Estádio Banco Guayaquil in Sangolquí, Ecuador. This matchup is the first leg of the Copa Sul-Americana semifinals.

Independiente del Valle reached the semifinals by eliminating Vasco da Gama, Once Caldas, and Mushuc Runa in earlier rounds. They currently lead the Ecuadorian Championship with 18 wins, 10 draws, and only two losses in 38 matches.

Atlético Mineiro qualified for the semifinals after defeating Bolívar and Godoy Cruz in previous rounds. However, the team has struggled recently, sitting in 15th place in the Brazilian Championship with 33 points. They lost 1-0 to Corinthians in their last match.

“We are focused on the Sul-Americana,” said Galo’s coach Jorge Sampaoli. “We need to perform at our best to advance.”

The winner of this matchup will face either Lanús or Universidad de Chile in the finals scheduled for November 22 in Asunción, Paraguay.

With injuries and suspensions affecting the squad, Sampaoli will be without suspended player Fausto Vera. Igor Gomes is expected to replace him. The team will prioritize a physical lineup, considering the altitude of the stadium.

Independiente del Valle, coached by Javier Rabanal, will field Guido Villar; Matías Fernández, Richard Schunke, Andy Velasco, and Gustavo Cortéz; Jordy Alcívar, Patrick Mercado, Sornoza, and Darwin Guagua; Michael Hoyos and Claudio Spinelli.

Distribution of broadcasting rights includes SBT for open TV, ESPN for cable, and streaming on Disney+ for this highly anticipated clash.