In a captivating match for the 16th round of the Brasileirao on Wednesday, Fortaleza and Atlético Mineiro played to a dramatic 3-3 draw at the Arena MRV. Despite taking the lead and having opportunities to seal the game, the hosts experienced a remarkable comeback from their opponents which resulted in a shared point.
Atlético Mineiro opened the scoring early with Hulk finding the net at the 7th minute. Vitor Hugo added another for the visitors just before halftime (46’) and Dudu extended their lead to 3-1 with a goal in the second half (60’). However, Deyverson was the hero for Fortaleza, scoring a splendid hat-trick at 1’ and 21’ (from the penalty spot) and completing his feat at the 47th minute, ensuring his team avoided defeat.
Atlético Mineiro came agonizingly close to snatching the win in stoppage time, only to see Fausto Vera’s powerful strike crash against the post.
Deyverson’s outstanding performance earned him the title of Man of the Match, as he not only netted three goals but also had five shots on goal, exhibiting a remarkable attacking display.
Hulk also played a pivotal role for Atlético Mineiro, scoring one goal and attempting three shots on target throughout the match.
Coach Jorge Sampaoli lined up Atlético Mineiro in a 3-6-1 formation with Éverson in goal; a defensive trio of Renzo Saravia, Vitor Hugo, and Ruan Tressoldi; a midfield comprising Bernard, Igor Gomes, Alexsander, Guilherme Arana, Dudu, and Rony; with Hulk leading the attack.
On the other hand, Fortaleza, managed by Martín Palermo, utilized a 4-5-1 strategy featuring Brenno as goalkeeper; a backline of Eros Mancuso, Lucas Gazal, Gastón Ávila, and Diogo Barbosa; a midfield that included Lucas Sasha, Pierre, José María Herrera, Lucas Crispim, and Breno Lopes; with Deyverson up front.
The match at Arena MRV was officiated by referee Savio Pereira Sampaio.
In their next fixtures, Atlético Mineiro will visit Fortaleza while Fortaleza will travel to Bahia.
Currently, Atlético Mineiro sits in 9th place with 44 points, while Fortaleza is in 19th position with 31 points in the league standings.
Substitutions for Atlético Mineiro
67’ 2T – Rony off for Gustavo Scarpa
77’ 2T – Alexsander off for Fausto Vera
84’ 2T – Hulk off for Reinier
85’ 2T – Bernard off for Natanael, Dudu off for Gabriel Menino, Pierre off for Yeison Guzmán, and Breno Lopes off for Matheus Rossetto
Yellow Cards for Atlético Mineiro
31’ 1T – Dudu (Unsporting behavior)
19’ 2T – Ruan Tressoldi (Holding an opponent to prevent advancement)
20’ 2T – Jorge Sampaoli (Insulting or disapproving the referee)
Substitutions for Fortaleza
71’ 2T – José María Herrera off for Allanzinho and Lucas Crispim off for Moisés
95’ 2T – Deyverson off for Juan Martín Lucero
Yellow Card for Fortaleza
30’ 2T – Lucas Sasha (Holding an opponent to prevent advancement)