Soccer-Champions Atletico suffer first league loss of 2022

BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil (Reuters) - Atletico Mineiro lost for the first time this season as a late goal from Raul Caceres gave America a 2-1 victory over the reigning Brazilian champions.

The result means that on the fifth weekend of league action only one club, Red Bull Bragantino, are still unbeaten in Brazil’s Serie A. Bragantino play league leaders Corinthians on Sunday.

A penalty from Iago Maidana put America 1-0 up after seven minutes but Ignacio Fernandez equalised after 72 minutes for the home side.

However, Raul Caceres scored with a fine curling shot 10 minutes from time to give America all three points.

Atletico pushed forward in search of an equaliser and America had striker Felipe Azevedo sent off with five minutes remaining but the home side could not get a second goal.

The result lifts America into second place in the 20-team table, with nine points from five games. Atletico have eight from the same number of matches and sit in fourth.

(Reporting by Andrew Downie; Editing by Toby Davis)