Atlético-MG catches Juventude in Caxias to try for a place in the quarterfinals of the Copa do Brasil

As the first clash, played at Arena MRV, in Belo Horizonte, ended in a 0-0 draw, whoever wins guarantees their place. In case of new equality, the classification will be defined in penalty kicks.

The clash brings together teams that experience different scenarios during the season, but arrive excited by the possibility of continuing in the main knockout competition in the country. Atlético-MG is making a recovery campaign after an irregular start and occupies tenth place in the Brazilian Championship. Given the distance to the first placed teams, the knockout tournament gained weight in the search for a title in 2026.

Juventude, on the other hand, is going through a good moment. Vice-leader of Series B, the club from Rio Grande do Sul dreams of returning to the elite of Brazilian football, but also wants to transform its good phase into a historic campaign in the Copa do Brasil, betting on the strength of its stadium to eliminate yet another favorite.

In the previous phase, Atlético advanced after beating Ceará in the penalty shootout, while Juventude was responsible for one of the biggest upsets of the tournament by eliminating São Paulo.

For the decision, coach Eduardo Domínguez must maintain the Atlético-MG base that played in the first game. The only doubts are in the offensive sector, where Dudu competes for a place with Cuello and Igor Gomes.

"We know the importance of this game. It's a 90-minute decision, against an opponent that deserves respect, but we trust in our work and we will seek classification from the beginning", stated Domínguez.

On the other hand, Maurício Barbieri will have practically all the starters available at Juventude. The only casualty should be midfielder Luis Mandaca, who suffered an injury in the first match and should not be able to take the field.

"We know the size of the challenge, but also the strength we have at home. We have built a competitive team and we will fight until the end for this classification, which would be very important for the club", highlighted Barbieri.

.TECHNICAL SHEET

YOUTH

YOUTH - Jandrei; Gabriel Pinheiro, Titi and Marcos Paulo; Aderlan, Lucas Mineiro, Raí Silva and Patryck; Fábio Lima, Alisson Safira and MP. Coach: Maurício Barbieri.

ATLÉTICO-MG - Everson; Natanael, Ruan, Lyanco and Renan Lodi; Tomás Pérez, Maycon and Victor Hugo; Bernard, Cassierra and Dudu (Igor Gomes). Coach: Eduardo Domínguez.

REFEREE - Flávio Rodrigues de Souza (SP).

TIME - 7:30 pm.

LOCATION - Alfredo Jaconi Stadium, in Caxias do Sul (RS).

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