Atletico Mineiro eliminate River Plate to reach Copa Libertadores final

BUENOS AIRES, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's Atletico Mineiro advanced to the Copa Libertadores final after a goalless draw with Argentine giants River Plate on Tuesday.

Atletico clinched a 3-0 victory in last week's first leg of the semifinal in Belo Horizonte and they defended resolutely at River's Monumental stadium to earn a berth in the final at the same venue on November 30.

"It's not easy to play against River in front of their own fans," Atletico's Argentine manager Gabriel Milito told reporters after the match. "We showed great personality and courage to get this result."

River dominated possession but only six of their 35 attempts were on target. Atletico had only five shots on goal and two on target.

"They are a team that attack very well but we did a great job neutralizing them," Milito said. "They didn't have many chances and that came down to our good positioning."

"We are able to attack or defend depending on the situation. I strongly believe in my ideas, but I also know that today was the day to have a defensive fortress, control and reduce the spaces at the back while playing more directly," he added.

Atletico will play the winner between Botafogo and Penarol in the final of South America's premier club competition. ■