Atlético-MG and Santos face a narrow margin in the Libertadores race

Atlético-MG and Santos face a narrow margin in the Libertadores race
Atlético-MG host Santos on Sunday at Arena MRV in Belo Horizonte in a match that brings two close Brasileirão rivals into direct competition for a place in the next Copa Libertadores. Atlético-MG are seventh with 44 points; Santos are eighth on 42, making the contest consequential for both sides rather than decisive on its own.

For Atlético-MG, the emphasis is on converting resilience into a home win. Eduardo Domínguez’s side drew 2-2 away to Athletico-PR despite playing much of the second half with 10 players, recovering late for a point. The club now hopes to use the backing of its supporters to take three points, having also eliminated Santos on penalties in the Copa Sudamericana quarter-finals. That task comes with constraints: midfielder Tomás Pérez is suspended, while Éverson, Gustavo Scarpa, Ruan Tressoldi and Mateo Cassierra are among those unavailable through fitness issues.

Santos bring a different source of confidence. They are unbeaten in eight Brasileirão games, with six wins and two draws, and recovered from 2-0 down to draw with Flamengo in their previous outing. Neymar returned from a thigh injury to score two penalties in that match, but will not travel because of the synthetic surface at Arena MRV. Everton Cebolinha is available again, although defender Escobar remains a doubt.

The teams also differ in the weight they place on history. Atlético-MG hold the stronger record in Belo Horizonte, winning 28 of 48 home meetings, while Santos can point to an unbeaten league run against the Mineiro side dating from August 2023. For Santos, victory could lift them above their hosts; for Atlético-MG, it would create more breathing room in a tightly packed race.

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