Barba surpreende e escala Atlético “meio a meio” para duelo decisivo com Inter
Atlético Mineiro Shakes Things Up for Big Match Against Internacional
Hey there, soccer fan! Whether you’re a die-hard Galo supporter or just getting into Brazilian football, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about Atlético’s lineup for their upcoming clash. Let’s dive in!
When and Where Is the Game?
Mark your calendars! Here are the key details:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Atlético Mineiro vs. Internacional |
| Competition | Campeonato Brasileiro – Round 24 |
| Date | Saturday, 22nd |
| Kickoff | 18:30 (Brasília time) |
| Stadium | Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre |
Why Is the Lineup So Different This Time?
Coach Eduardo Domínguez (nicknamed "Barba") has made major changes to the starting XI. But there’s a smart reason behind it!
The Big Reason: Copa do Brasil Priority
IMPORTANT POINT: Atlético has a huge game coming up on Tuesday, 25th – the first leg of the Copa do Brasil quarterfinals against rival Cruzeiro at Mineirão (21:30). The coach is resting key players to keep them fresh for that derby!
Who’s Missing? (The "Unavailable" List)
Several regular starters cannot play this weekend:
Suspended
- Preciado (Right-back) – Got his 3rd yellow card in the 3-0 win over Grêmio. Automatic one-game ban.
Injured / Medical Department
| Player | Position | Issue |
|---|---|---|
| Lyanco | Center-back | Under medical care |
| Léo Duarte | Center-back | Under medical care |
| Gustavo Scarpa | Midfielder | Under medical care |
| Igor Gomes | Midfielder | Under medical care |
| Victor Hugo | Midfielder | Last-minute scratch – Edema in right thigh adductor muscle |
WHAT’S AN EDEMA? Think of it like a deep bruise or swelling inside the muscle. It’s painful and risky to play on – smart call to rest him!
The Starting Lineup (XI Players on the Field)
Here’s who Coach Domínguez chose to start the match:
Formation Breakdown
Goalkeeper:
- Everson – The veteran #1, captain material
Defense (Back 4):
- Natanael – Right-back (replacing suspended Preciado)
- Vitão – Center-back
- Ruan Tressoldo – Center-back
- Renan Lodi – Left-back (experience and attacking threat)
Midfield (Double Pivot + Advanced):
- Tomás Pérez – Defensive midfielder
- Mamady Cissé – Box-to-box midfielder
- Pascini – Attacking midfielder / playmaker
Attack (Front 3):
- Bernard – Left winger (skill, experience, former Shakhtar/Shakhtar star)
- Alan Minda – Right winger (young Ecuadorian talent)
- Borbas – Center forward (Uruguayan striker)
The Full Travel Squad (23 Players)
These are all the players who traveled to Porto Alegre. The ones not in the starting XI sit on the bench as substitutes.
Goalkeepers (3)
- Everson (starter)
- Gabriel Delfim
- Robert
Defenders (9)
Right-backs: Natanael, Pascini
Left-backs: Renan Lodi
Center-backs: Lemos, Ruan, Vitão, Vitor Hugo
Midfielders (11)
- Bernard
- Cissé
- Fred (experienced veteran, World Cup winner)
- Maycon
- Reinier
- Alan Franco
- Alexsander
- Tomás Pérez
- Kevin Castaño
Forwards (5)
- Alan Minda
- Cassierra
- Thiago Borbas
- Dudu
- Cuello
Tactical Thoughts (ELI5 Style)
What’s the Game Plan?
- Stay Compact – With many reserves playing, expect a organized, hard-to-break-down structure
- Counter-Attack – Fast wingers (Minda, Bernard) + target man (Borbas) = danger on the break
- Set Pieces Matter – Tall defenders (Vitão, Ruan) + good delivery (Pascini, Bernard) = goal chances
- Energy Management – Players know Tuesday is the real priority. Don’t expect 90 minutes of high press.
Key Battles to Watch
- Natanael vs. Inter’s Left Winger – Young RB tested early
- Bernard vs. Inter’s Right-back – Experience vs. youth
- Cissé & Pérez vs. Inter’s Midfield – Can they control the tempo?
Quick Summary: 5 Things to Remember
- Heavy rotation – Coach prioritizing Tuesday’s Copa do Brasil derby vs. Cruzeiro
- Preciado suspended + 5 injured players = forced changes
- Young/Reserve players get chance – Natanael, Cissé, Pérez, Minda, Borbas starting
- Fred on bench – Veteran presence if needed late
- Two competitions – Brasileiro matters, but Copa do Brasil is the main target this week
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
1. Why would a coach field a "weakened" team on purpose?
Great question! In football, squad management is everything. With a massive derby vs. Cruzeiro in a knockout cup (Copa do Brasil) just 3 days later, risking tired or injured stars in a league game doesn’t make sense. The cup offers a trophy + Libertadores spot. Smart coaches rotate.
2. Who is Mamady Cissé? I haven’t heard of him.
He’s a young Guinean midfielder (born 2003) who joined Atlético recently. Strong, athletic, covers ground. This is his big chance to impress the coach and fans!
3. Is Alan Minda related to the other Minda?
No relation! Alan Minda is a 20-year-old Ecuadorian winger signed in 2024. Quick, tricky, direct. Exciting prospect for Galo fans.
4. What happens if a starter gets injured during this game?
That’s why the bench matters! Fred, Maycon, Reinier, Cuello, Dudu, Cassierra are all experienced options who can change the game if needed. Coach has a "Plan B" ready.
5. Where can I watch the match?
Check your local listings! In Brazil, it’s typically on Premiere (pay-per-view) or Globo/SporTV depending on the round. International viewers – check your sports streaming services for Brasileiro rights.
Final Thoughts
This weekend’s game is a "free hit" for many young Atlético players. No pressure, big stage, chance to shine. Meanwhile, the real fireworks are expected Tuesday at Mineirão against Cruzeiro.
Enjoy the match, and vai Galo!
Article based on official Atlético Mineiro squad announcement for Campeonato Brasileiro Round 24 vs. Internacional.