Belo Horizonte, May 2 (IANS) Defending champions Atletico Mineiro were eliminated from the Copa Libertadores after a late Jefferson Duque goal gave Atletico Nacional a 2-1 aggregate victory in their round-of-16 tie.
Duque struck from close range in the 88th minute at the Mineiro stadium Thursday to ensure the Colombian team’s passage to the quarterfinals of South America’s premier club tournament, reports Xinhua.
Atletico Mineiro midfielder Fernandinho had levelled the tie in the first half by firing in a low drive after Emerson Conceicao’s assist.
Two-time FIFA World Player of the Year, Ronaldinho was unable to exert any meaningful impact on the match in a performance that will all but quash his already slim hopes of a berth in Brazil’s World Cup squad.
The result continues Atletico Nacional’s impressive 2014 form. The Medellin outfit, whose only Copa Libertadores triumph came in 1989, are also top of Colombia’s national league.