Santos SP beat Atlético MG 2-0 in the Copa Sul-Americana at MRV Arena. Gabriel Barbosa created both goals as the home side led at the interval and closed the night with a clean sheet.

Match Summary

Atlético MG spent long spells on the ball from the start, set up in a 3-4-2-1, while Santos SP worked from a 4-2-3-1. Possession did not bring the first goal. Willian Arão had Santos in front after 31 minutes, and Gabriel Barbosa was the provider. That was the only goal of the first half. Santos took a one-goal advantage into the break.

The second period followed a similar shape. Atlético MG still had more of the play, but Santos remained the sharper side in front of goal. Christian Oliva made it two in the 68th minute. Barbosa supplied the assist again. From there the home side managed the remainder. Referee A. Herrera showed no cards, and the official score stayed 2-0.

Key Moments

Going in front before the interval let Santos protect a lead against a team that already had more of the ball. Atlético MG then had to chase, and that opened the game for Barbosa's second assist with more than 20 minutes left. After that the result was no longer in doubt. Limited to three shots on target, the visitors never looked like they would break the clean sheet.

Match Statistics

Atlético MG finished with 58 percent of the possession to Santos SP's 42, yet the extra share of the ball did not show in the attacking numbers. Santos took 13 shots and put seven on target. Atlético MG managed nine attempts and only three on target. Corners went 6-2 to Santos as well. There were no yellow cards and no red cards.

What the Result Means

Atlético MG sit first in the CONMEBOL Sudamericana with 10 points from six matches and a goal difference of plus two. They have three wins, one draw and one loss in their last five.

See also

• Santos SP vs Atlético MG live score
• AltBets live scores
• AltBets tips
• Match recaps