Can Atlético Mineiro finally settle the score? The Brazilian club returns to a Sudamericana final, eyeing revenge in Barranquilla on 21 November at the Supermetro against Boca Juniors.
The Galo’s 2026 trek was rocky yet resilient. In Group B with Academia Puerto Cabello, Juventud and Cienciano, they stumbled early, losing to Puerto Cabello and Cienciano, then beat Juventud and drew with the Uruguayan side before finishing the group on top with three wins, one draw and two defeats, totalling ten points.
Round of 16 saw them face Red Bull Bragantino. A 1‑0 away win courtesy of Tomás Cuello set the tone, and a 2‑2 home draw sealed a 3‑2 aggregate. In the quarters they met Neymar’s Santos, fell 2‑0 in Vila Belmiro, but rallied 4‑2 at home thanks to Bernard, a brace from Reinier and a stoppage‑time Cuello strike, then survived a shoot‑out as goalkeeper Gabriel Delfim saved three penalties.
The semifinals pitted them against Montevideo City Torque. A 3‑0 triumph at Arena MRV, with goals from Reinier, Bernard and Thiago Borbas, gave them a cushion; a 2‑0 loss in the return leg left a 3‑2 aggregate win and a ticket to the final.
Bernard and Cuello proved decisive, constantly threatening the net, while Reinier’s timely interventions and Delfim’s heroics against Santos stood out. In my view, Domínguez’s tactics have turned a shaky campaign into a knockout machine, and the squad is guided by the Argentine coach.
The Mineiro side, featuring Colombian Kevin Castaño, reached the final after 12 matches – six wins, two draws, four defeats, 18 goals scored and 14 conceded. They now aim to turn last year’s penalty loss to Lanús into redemption. Will the Galo lift the trophy this time?