Article by Sebastian Vasile – Published Wednesday, October 29, 2025, 1:53 p.m. / Updated Wednesday, October 29, 2025, 1:56 p.m.
Atletico Mineiro secured their place in the Copa Sudamericana final on Wednesday morning after beating Ecuador's Independiente del Valle 3-1 at home, and Hulk was one of the main actors in the clash. In the first leg, the game ended with a draw, score 1-1.
Now 39 years old, the former Porto, Zenit and Shanghai player entered the field in the 58th minute and in the 73rd minute he set up the final score at the MRV Arena, ending a 15 game “drought” without scoring a goal!
Coached by Jorge Sampaoli, Atletico Mineiro will meet the winner of Universidad de Chile and Lanus (Argentina) in the grand final on November 22 in Asuncion (Paraguay).
Hulk couldn't hold back his tears: “I haven't had a glass of wine for two months”
In the moment of celebration, the Brazilian international could not hold back his tears and after the final whistle, he spoke about the difficult period he has been through in recent months.
“God only knows what I've done and how much I've focused on getting in the best shape, taking care of myself. I've also lost weight.
Me, who likes to drink a glass of wine after games, it's almost two months since I touched a glass. My promise is to stay until the last Brasileirao match without drinking wine. I've been criticized a lot for the lack of goals, but I'm always working.
With my knees on the ground, giving my best and with faith in God. Things don't happen when we want, but when God wants. After a long time, my goal came today,” revealed Hulk, who ends his fifth season in the black and white jersey.
After the goal, I had a special moment when I heard the whole crowd sing in chorus: “Hulk Paraiba”. The fans are my fuel to keep making history. We remain steadfast in our pursuit of this unprecedented title with great faith in God. As long as I'm here, I will honor this jersey with heart and dedication. Let new chapters in this story begin!
– Hulk
VIDEO. Summary of the match Atletico Mineiro – Independiente del Valle (3-1)
The starting teams for Atletico Mineiro – Independiente del Valle 3-1:
Atletico Mineiro: Everson – Ruan, Vitor Hugo, Alonso – Arana, Franco, Fausto, I. Gomes – Dudu, Bernard, Rony
Coach: Jorge Sampaoli
Independiente del Valle: Villar – Fernandez, Schunke, Carabajal, Cortez – Jean Arroyo, Alcivar, Sornoza – Mercado – Spinelli, Hoyos
Coach: Javier Rabanal
