Mineiro beat Melgar 2-1 in Copa Libertadores

Brazilian football club Atletico Mineiro came from behind to beat Melgar 2-1 in their Copa Libertadores opening group game here.

The 2013 Libertadores winners controlled the majority of the contest and refused to buckle despite suffering the setback of going a goal down early on at the Estadio Monumental Virgen de Chapi, reports Xinhua.

The experience of the club's four successive campaigns in South America's premier club competition told on Wednesday night with Rafael Carioca levelling with a stunning long-range effort.

And Atletico went in front before the interval in an action packed first 45 minutes. Right-back Patric, who had already missed two good chances to find the back of the net, calmly evaded two opponents to make it 2-1.

The game slowed in the second half as fatigue began to take its toll. The altitude clearly affected the players, the match being played at 2,300 metres above sea level. But Leonardo Silva and Erazo held firm at the back to secure an excellent three points as Atletico go in search of their second Libertadores crown.

Next up, the Brazilian club play a home game against Independiente del Valle at the Independencia Stadium in Belo Horizonte.