Galhardo and Rodinei scored the home side’s goals while Júnior Brandão was also on target for the away side.
The home side head coach Eduardo Coudet put a mixed team to try and balance out the game. Atletico also came to the game with same idea. The first 45 minutes of the game was uneventful with little opportunities from both sides to take the lead. Only a free kick from Nicolas in the 12th minute tested Marcelo Lomba’s goal.
The home side stepped up their game towards the end of the first half and even got an opportunity in the penalty area to go on the lead but Yuri Alberto’s finish was wide.
The second half was much better. With the dissatisfaction from his team’s performance, Coudet substituted Edenilson and Thiago Galhardo to the field. It didn’t take long for the Brasileirão top scorer to find the net. Just ten minutes into the game, Thiago Galhardo drew first blood for his side by taking advantage of goalkeeper Jean’s mistake.
Rodinei extended the home side lead in the 77th minute with a beautiful left-footed shot following a counter attack. The Dragon did not back down and forced some couple of saves from Lomba. Zé Gabriel had to save Júnior Brandão’s shot over the line to prevent the goal from going in. Five minutes to the end of the final whistle, Brandão got his second chance to score and he took it. The match ended 2-1.
Both teams return to the field at the weekend for the 20th round of the Brasileirão. Atlético-GO hosts Corinthians on Saturday while Inter face Coritiba in Beira-Rio on Sunday.
