In a dominant display, Atlético Mineiro secured a convincing 4-0 victory over Deportes Iquique in the second round of the 2025 Conmebol Sudamericana, held at the empty Mineirão stadium in Belo Horizonte on April 10, 2025. The match, which took place without fans due to a sanction against the Brazilian side, marked a crucial turnaround for Atlético Mineiro, who had been struggling with a four-match winless streak before this encounter.
The Rooster, as Atlético Mineiro is affectionately known, wasted no time in asserting their dominance. Just 33 seconds into the match, Rony opened the scoring after a slick exchange of passes, tapping in a low cross from Natanael. This early goal set the tone for a match that would see the Brazilian side completely outclass their Chilean opponents.
Things got worse for Deportes Iquique shortly thereafter. In the 9th minute, Hulk doubled the lead from the penalty spot after Guilherme Arana was fouled inside the box by Matías Blásquez. Hulk calmly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Leandro Requena, giving Atlético a 2-0 advantage.
Despite a brief moment of hope for Iquique, who managed a few attempts on goal, the Brazilian side continued to press. In the 34th minute, Natanael scored his first goal of the tournament, finishing off a well-placed assist from Rubens, making it 3-0 before halftime. Atlético Mineiro went into the break with a commanding lead, having shown total control of the match.
The second half saw a slight dip in intensity from Atlético, but they still managed to add to their tally. In the 65th minute, another penalty was awarded to Atlético after a handball by Blásquez. Rony stepped up to take the penalty and made no mistake, securing the final score of 4-0.
With this victory, Atlético Mineiro moved to the top of Group H with four points, tied with Caracas but boasting a superior goal difference. This result was a welcome relief for the team, who had been under pressure after their recent performances. Coach Alexi Stival expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, noting the importance of this win for their confidence moving forward.
"We needed this win to get back on track. The players showed great character and intensity from the very first minute," Stival said after the match. "We have to build on this performance as we continue in the tournament."
On the other hand, Deportes Iquique's struggles continued as they faced their eleventh consecutive match without a victory. The team, now under interim coach Rodrigo Guerrero after the departure of Miguel Ramírez, has been struggling both in the Sudamericana and in their domestic league, where they sit at the bottom of the table.
Iquique's defensive frailties were exposed throughout the match, and they will need to regroup quickly ahead of their next fixture against Cienciano. Guerrero acknowledged the difficulties his team is facing but emphasized the need to remain positive and focused.
"It's a tough time for us, but we have to keep our heads up and work hard to turn this around. We have the talent, and we just need to find our rhythm again," Guerrero stated.
Looking ahead, Atlético Mineiro will next host Vitória in the third round of the 2025 Brasileirão on April 13, 2025. Following that, they will face a challenging away match against Caracas in the Sudamericana on April 23, 2025. For Deportes Iquique, the pressure mounts as they prepare to visit Deportes Limache on April 14, 2025, with their hopes of improving their season hanging in the balance.
This match not only showcased Atlético Mineiro's resurgence but also highlighted the ongoing challenges for Deportes Iquique, who must find a way to bounce back from their current woes. As the tournament progresses, both teams will be looking to secure their respective futures in the competition and their domestic leagues.
