Brazil's Atletico Mineiro Draws at Argentina's River Plate, Reaches Copa Libertadores Final

Guilherme Arana (L) and Deyverson celebrate their victory in the Copa Libertadores semifinals second leg match  between River Plate and Atletico Mineiro at the Mas Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, 29 October 2024.  EPA/Juan Ignacio Roncoroni
Guilherme Arana (L) and Deyverson celebrate their victory in the Copa Libertadores semifinals second leg match between River Plate and Atletico Mineiro at the Mas Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, 29 October 2024. EPA/Juan Ignacio Roncoroni
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Brazil's Atletico Mineiro Draws at Argentina's River Plate, Reaches Copa Libertadores Final

Guilherme Arana (L) and Deyverson celebrate their victory in the Copa Libertadores semifinals second leg match  between River Plate and Atletico Mineiro at the Mas Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, 29 October 2024.  EPA/Juan Ignacio Roncoroni
Guilherme Arana (L) and Deyverson celebrate their victory in the Copa Libertadores semifinals second leg match between River Plate and Atletico Mineiro at the Mas Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, 29 October 2024. EPA/Juan Ignacio Roncoroni

Brazil’s Atletico Mineiro drew 0-0 at Argentina’s River Plate on Tuesday and reached the final of the Copa Libertadores for the second time.
The team of veteran striker Hulk had beaten its rivals 3-0 in the first leg of the semifinal.
The festive atmosphere at the full Monumental de Nunez Stadium with more than 80,000 fans did not affect the Brazilian side, which had some of the clearest chances to score.
Atletico's rival in the decider will be decided on Wednesday, and it is very likely to be fellow Brazilian side Botafogo. The Rio de Janeiro-based team will play at Uruguay's Penarol after winning the first leg 5-0.
Brazilian teams have won the tournament for the past five years.
The final will be played on Nov. 30 at the same Monumental de Nunez Stadium in Buenos Aires.



Al-Sadd Clinches Asian Champions League Playoffs Spot after Beating Al-Nassr

Soccer Football - Saudi Pro League - Al Nassr v Damac - Al Awwal Park, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - November 29, 2024 Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring their second goal with Ali Lajami REUTERS/Stringer
Soccer Football - Saudi Pro League - Al Nassr v Damac - Al Awwal Park, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - November 29, 2024 Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring their second goal with Ali Lajami REUTERS/Stringer
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Al-Sadd Clinches Asian Champions League Playoffs Spot after Beating Al-Nassr

Soccer Football - Saudi Pro League - Al Nassr v Damac - Al Awwal Park, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - November 29, 2024 Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring their second goal with Ali Lajami REUTERS/Stringer
Soccer Football - Saudi Pro League - Al Nassr v Damac - Al Awwal Park, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - November 29, 2024 Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring their second goal with Ali Lajami REUTERS/Stringer

Cristiano Ronaldo was absent when Al-Nassr lost for the first time in the AFC Champions League Elite, to Al-Sadd of Qatar 2-1 on Monday.

Al-Nassr was already guaranteed a place in the round of 16 so Ronaldo, who has five goals in his last three matches, was rested. He watched from the sidelines, The Associated Press reported.
Al-Sadd took the lead through Akram Afif, named the Asian player of the year in November, eight minutes after the break.
While Sadio Mane and Anderson Talisca went close for Al-Nassr, an own goal from close range by Romain Saiss made it 1-1 with 10 minutes remaining.
However, Afif was brought down in the area and, in the ninth minute of added time, Algeria’s Adam Ounas converted the penalty.
The win ensured 2011 champion Al-Sadd booked a place in the round of 16, moving into fourth in the 12-team group, a point behind Al-Nassr in third. The top eight from each of the two groups progress to the knockout stage.
“It was a tough and close game,” Al-Sadd coach Felix Sanchez said. “We worked hard to stop Al-Nassr having the ball, and to win at their home stadium. The players showed their character.”
Al-Ahli was first in the group after the Saudi Arabian side was held by Esteghlal of Iran to 2-2.
Ivan Toney scored both goals for the host in Jeddah. Raphael Silva opened the scoring for the Tehran team after 42 minutes but Toney made it 1-1 just before the break from the spot.
Mohammad Hossein Eslami restored Esteghlal’s lead six minutes after the restart but Toney scored his second penalty four minutes from the end, a fourth goal in Asia for the England striker in the space of a week.
Elsewhere, Persepolis of Iran beat Al-Shorta of Iraq 2-1, while Al-Wasl of the United Arab Emirates drew with Al-Rayyan of Qatar 1-1.