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Atlético Mineiro stands one step away from seizing the Sudamericana crown.
CONMEBOL Sudamericana
Atlético Mineiro stands on the brink of another Sudamericana final. Can the Brazilian side overcome Boca Juniors and claim the trophy that has long eluded them, after coming close just a year ago?
The Galo boast an impressive international pedigree, highlighted by a Copa Libertadores win in 2013 and two defunct Copa CONMEBOL crowns. Yet the Sudamericana remains a missing chapter for the Belo Horizonte club, which has suffered several painful exits.
With a fresh final looming, we revisit the Galo’s top Sudamericana runs—from the 2019 semifinal to the 2025 showdown and the challenge that lies ahead.
2019: the heartbreaking exit to Colón
2025: first final and loss to Lanús
Until 2025, the club’s deepest run was the 2019 semifinals, where they faced Colón de Santa Fe.
The Argentine side won the first leg 2‑1, but the Galo answered with a 2‑1 victory at the Mineirão, courtesy of goals from Franco Di Santo and Yimmi Chará. The tie finished 3‑3 on aggregate, forcing a penalty shoot‑out.
Colón edged the shoot‑out 4‑3 and moved on to the final, leaving Atlético Mineiro one step shy of its first title.
Brazilian outfit also reached the 2010 quarter‑finals, though none of those earlier trips came as close to the championship as later attempts.
2026: Boca Juniors and a chance to make history
Six years later, Atlético Mineiro finally booked its inaugural Sudamericana final. To get there in 2025, the team dispatched Atlético Bucaramanga, Godoy Cruz, Bolívar and Independiente del Valle.
Their opponent, Lanús, awaited them in Asunción, Paraguay. A tight duel ended 0‑0 after 120 minutes, sending the decision to the spot‑kick line.
The shoot‑out proved cruel again; Lanús triumphed 5‑4 on penalties, snatching the cup while Atlético Mineiro suffered another continental disappointment after falling to Botafogo in the 2024 Libertadores final.
Despite the loss, the 2025 runner‑up finish now stands as the Galo’s best Sudamericana performance, a benchmark they aim to surpass.
Will the Galo finally break its Sudamericana drought and etch its name among the champions?
The Brazilian side returned to the final after topping Group B and then eliminating Red Bull Bragantino, Santos and Montevideo City Torque.
In the semis, the Galo secured a 3‑0 home win over the Uruguayan club. Although they dropped the second leg 2‑0, a 3‑2 aggregate carried them into a second consecutive final.
They will meet Boca Juniors on Saturday, 21 November 2026 at the Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez in Barranquilla, Colombia, kick‑off slated for 5:30 PM ET.
The task will be tough. Boca lifted the Sudamericana in 2004 and 2005, while Atlético Mineiro seeks its first honor in a competition that has repeatedly denied them. After falling just short in 2019 and 2025, the Galo now has a real chance to rewrite its history and capture the Sudamericana for the first time. For my money, this is the moment they’ve been waiting for.
The Brazilian club returns to the continental stage after a disappointing final, and a clash with Boca Juniors offers a fresh shot at making history.