Brazil's Atletico Mineiro beats Argentina's River Plate 3-0 in Copa Libertadores semifinal

Hulk, Matias Zaracho and Jefferson Savarino each scored a goal as the hosts overwhelmed their opponents

Atletico Mineiro of Brazil has beaten River Plate of Argentina 3-0 in the first leg of their Copa Libertadores semifinal on Tuesday.

Hulk gave the hosts the lead in the 25th minute when he headed home from close range after a cross from Zaracho.

Zaracho doubled the advantage in the 42nd minute when he ran onto a pass from Savarino and fired a low shot into the bottom corner.

Savarino made it 3-0 in the 50th minute when he curled a free-kick into the top corner.

River Plate, the 2018 Copa Libertadores winners, were unable to find a way back into the game and will need to score at least four goals in the second leg in Buenos Aires next week if they are to reach the final.

Atletico Mineiro, who won the Copa Libertadores in 2013, will be confident of holding on to their advantage and reaching the final for the second time in three years.

Hulk was in inspired form for Atletico Mineiro, scoring one goal and setting up another

The 35-year-old striker was a constant threat to the River Plate defense and his performance was a key factor in Atletico Mineiro's victory.

Hulk has now scored 10 goals in the Copa Libertadores this season, making him the competition's leading scorer.

He is also the first player to score 10 goals in a single Copa Libertadores campaign since Luiz Adriano did so for Flamengo in 2019.

Atletico Mineiro were in control of the game throughout and deserved their victory

The hosts were the better team from the start and they created a number of chances to score.

River Plate were unable to match Atletico Mineiro's intensity and they were second best in all areas of the pitch.

The result leaves Atletico Mineiro in a strong position to reach the Copa Libertadores final.

The second leg of the semifinal will be played in Buenos Aires next Tuesday

River Plate will need to score at least four goals to reach the final, but they will be up against a confident Atletico Mineiro side.

The match is likely to be a close and exciting affair, and it could go either way.

Conclusion

Atletico Mineiro's victory over River Plate was a deserved one and it leaves them in a strong position to reach the Copa Libertadores final.

Hulk was in inspired form for the hosts and he will be a key player for them in the second leg.

River Plate will need to produce a special performance in the second leg if they are to reach the final, but they will be up against a confident Atletico Mineiro side.