Atlético-MG feels the altitude; Sampaoli considers a draw with Bolívar

This Wednesday (17), Atlético-MG went to the altitude of La Paz, capital of Bolivia, to face Bolívar in the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Copa Sudamericana. Galo started the match against the home team on the right foot; Alexsander and Vitor Hugo were the authors of Atlético's goals in the first half.

However, the situation changed in the second half, with Robson Matheus pulling one back for the home side. Later, Bolivian defender Ignacio Gariglio was sent off, but even with ten men down, Bolívar secured the equalizer in the 88th minute after a penalty kick from Dorny Romero.

"It was the same as always. Besides the numerical difficulty, there was also the physical conditioning that "took its toll" in the second half [due to the altitude]. We had to make mandatory substitutions. It's very difficult to play here, with a team that is used to it and has a lot of attacks. I think that, besides having an extra man, we got a good result and we hope for revenge [...]"

The Atlético coach also commented on whether it is possible to take something from this draw against Bolívar, considering that the Bolivian club not only achieves positive results at home, but also as a visitor, which they have been doing lately, including in Sula games.

"Nothing is set in stone yet. We need to make the difference there [in Belo Horizonte], knowing that this rival also has a good away game. It will be a decisive, balanced game, where we will have to be very strong to sustain our attacks against a rival that plays really well."

The Argentine coach talks about the change in mentality at Galo

Sampaoli was asked about the change in mentality he applied to his players, given that Atlético-MG is not in its best moment in the Brazilian Championship, giving different impressions between the match against Bolívar and against Santos, last Sunday (14) for the Brasileirão.

"We're starting a project. I really value organization and respect for a game plan […] I believe that the personality they had to play today was relevant, important, and that's what I value most."

The coach spoke about what it felt like to not be able to beat Bolívar, who played part of the second half with one player less.

"I think we continued to follow the same plan as at the beginning, when they had 11 men. We knew they had good crosses with their inverted foot when they came in from the wings [...] We couldn't control the ball because of fatigue, the second half, the last line. There was a lot of fatigue on the crosses, but that always happens here, whether with 11 or 10 [...] We had some attitudes in the second half that could have resulted in a goal for us, but we didn't take advantage."