Red Bull Bragantino once again took part in an international competition on Thursday. It was significant for them as it marked their first outing in 25 years. To cap it off, they marked the occasion with a win. In their debut at the Copa Sudamericana, Massa Bruta edged Tolima-COL 2-1 at the Nabi Abi Chedid stadium in Bragança Paulista.
The two goals for Bragantino came in the first half. Just after nine minutes, the ever-prolific Claudinho grabbed the goal with his effort lucky to deflect through Castrillón and go all the way in.
It was counted as an own goal anyways. Just on the stroke of half time, Ytalo then doubled the lead for his side after taking advantage of a rebound from goalkeeper Montero to put Bragantino in the ascendency.
The second half was a tense one, with few clear chances at goal for both teams. Massa Brutta could only boast of one effort on target, while the visitors had two. The Colombians managed to reduce the deficit in stoppage time after the referee awarded a penalty following Aderlan’s handling of the ball in the area. Mosquera scored the resulting penalty but the game was already won by the hosts.
With the victory, Bragantino are joint-leaders of Group G with Emelec-EQU, both with three points. Tolima and Talleres-ARG occupy the third and fourth positions respectively after losing their first games.
The second round of the Copa Sudamericana will hold next Wednesday. Bragantino will travel to Ecuador to take on Emelec while Tolima welcomes Talleres in another fixture at the same time in Colombia.
