RIO DE JANEIRO, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Renan Lodi and Bernard scored first-half goals as Atletico Mineiro kept alive its hopes of advancing to the Copa Sudamericana knockout phase with a 2-0 home win over Cienciano on Thursday.
The Brazilian club took the lead when Lodi timed his run to perfection to volley in at the far post after Tomas Cuello's diagonal cross.
Cuello was again the provider with another inviting delivery from the right wing, allowing Bernard to drift behind the visitors' defense and hammer in a shot from the edge of the six-yard box.
The Peruvian club could manage only two shots on target for the night, stumbling to its second loss of the campaign.
The result leaves Puerto Cabello, Cienciano and Atletico Mineiro tied on seven points each in Group B, with one matchday remaining. The top team in each group will progress to the next round while the second-ranked sides will advance to a playoff round against clubs eliminated from the Copa Libertadores.
Elsewhere in the Copa Sudamericana on Thursday, Macara was held to a 0-0 draw by Alianza Atletico, Carabobo won 2-0 at Blooming, Racing drew 2-2 at Caracas. ■
