RIO DE JANEIRO, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Atletico Mineiro took a step toward qualifying for the Copa Sudamericana final with a 3-0 home win over Montevideo City Torque on Wednesday.
Former Real Madrid midfielder Reinier Jesus opened the scoring in the 37th minute by side-footing home after Victor Hugo's pass.
The hosts doubled the advantage five minutes later when former Everton winger Bernard dribbled 25 yards before lashing a low drive that beat goalkeeper Franco Torgnascioli at his near post.
Thiago Borbas put the result beyond doubt 10 minutes from time with a sliding first-time effort from eight yards after Renan Lodi's cross.
"You could say that tonight was a dream scoreline but those of us who have been in football for a long time know that nothing is impossible and that any scoreline can be reversed," Bernard said after the match.
"We're very happy with the way we played today but we have to keep our feet on the ground because there is still work to do."
The decisive second leg will be played in Montevideo next Wednesday, with the winner to meet either Boca Juniors or Vasco da Gama in the final. ■
