The Galo are aiming for another historic comeback to win the Copa do Brasil title after losing to Flamengo 3-1 in the first leg.
The Brazilian Football community will witness another historic chapter in the rivalry between Atlético and Flamengo this Sunday (November 10) at 4 p.m., as the two teams face off for the Copa do Brasil title. No Ataque brings you all the essential information before the match at the Arena MRV in Belo Horizonte: where to watch, absences, probable line-ups, coaches’ statements, refereeing, and more.
Flamengo established a solid advantage last Sunday, winning 3-1 at the Maracanã. The team, led by Filipe Luís, led by three goals thanks to strikes from Arrascaeta and Gabigol (twice), but the visitors managed to reduce the gap through Alan Kardec in the final moments.
With this result, Atlético must win by two goals to force a penalty shootout or by at least three goals to secure the trophy in regulation time. Despite this difficult task, fans and the club remain confident, especially given the historic returns of the last decade.
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The final location adds to the excitement of the match. It will be the first time that a club has lifted a trophy in the new Galo stadium. Additionally, the Copa do Brasil will mark the first national title for one of the coaches: Gabriel Milito or Filipe Luís.
Paths to the Final
To reach the final, Atlético eliminated Sport, CRB, São Paulo and Vasco in that order. Meanwhile, Flamengo progressed by beating Amazonas, Palmeiras, Bahia and Corinthians.
Simultaneously, the Galo secured a place in the Copa Libertadores final. This has led them to prioritize the Libertadores, leaving their performance in the Brazilian Championship somewhat neglected, as evidenced by a recent 1-0 defeat to Atlético-GO with a reserve team on Wednesday at the Antônio Accioly Stadium in Goiânia.
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This result placed the team in 10th position in the standings with 41 points. Concerns are growing among supporters that a defeat in the Copa do Brasil could put the club under pressure to succeed in the Libertadores, which is crucial to participating in next season’s continental tournament.
Flamengo also fielded an alternative team in midweek but managed to secure three points against Cruzeiro in Serie A. They won 1-0 at Independência in Belo Horizonte, thanks to a free kick from defender David Luiz.
Flamengo find themselves in a more comfortable position when it comes to a place in next year’s Libertadores, occupying fifth place with 58 points. However, the atmosphere around the club remains tense as they feel the pressure.
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The team has not won a major title since 2022, and the last hopes of Rodolfo Landim’s management, which has invested more than R$358 million in recruits this season, now rest on the Copa do Brasil.
Battle for the Prize
Both Atlético and Flamengo are battling it out for the lucrative Copa do Brasil prize. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) will award the winner R$73.5 million, while the runner-up will receive R$31.5 million.
Where to Watch Atlético x Flamengo Live
Amazon Prime, Globo, Premiere, SporTV
Compositions Probables
No Ataque presents the probable line-ups for the final match of the Copa do Brasil. Here’s who is likely to start at the MRV Arena:
Atlético
Compared to the team from the first leg of the final, Atlético should make just one change. Left back Rubens should be replaced, with Guilherme Arana returning to his original position.
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The main question is who will be activated. The favorite is midfielder Matías Zaracho, who has played just 66 minutes since returning from pubic surgery but was a starter before the injury. With similar attributes, Bernard is another potential choice for the starting XI.
Striker Alisson is also an option. If chosen by Milito, Gustavo Scarpa would move from the right flank to a more central role. Finally, attackers Eduardo Vargas and Alan Kardec remain contenders outside of this selection.
Composition of the Atlético: Everson; Lyanco, Battaglia, Junior Alonso and Guilherme Arana; Otávio, Alan Franco, Zaracho (Bernard, Alisson, Eduardo Vargas or Alan Kardec), Gustavo Scarpa; Paulinho et Hulk. Absences : Deyverson (played for Cuiabá), Fausto Vera (played for Corinthians), Robert (played for Athletic), and Cadu (ruptured ACL and lateral and medial menisci in his right knee).
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Flemish
Key updates for Flamengo include the returns of midfielder Erick Pulgar and striker Bruno Henrique, who were both suspended in the first leg. Both should start in place of Michael and Gonzalo Plata.
There is a possibility that Ecuadorian striker Plata will remain in the starting XI. In this case, young midfielder Evertton Araújo, 21, would take his place on the bench.
Luiz Araújo was included in the squad after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. However, he will start the match on the bench.
Composition by Flamengo: Rossi; Wesley, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira and Alex Sandro; Pulgar, Evertton Araújo (Gonzalo Plata), Gerson et Arrascaeta; Bruno Henrique et Gabigol. Absences : Viña (right knee ACL rupture), De La Cruz (thigh injury), Everton Cebolinha (left ankle Achilles tendon rupture), and Pedro (left knee ACL rupture).
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Coach Comments
Gabriel Milito, Atlético coach: “First, play with a lot of confidence, courage, and the desire to win the match. Attack and defend well, because if we only attack and don’t defend well, we won’t be in the match. It is “It’s essential to score goals, we need that. But it’s also necessary to defend well and play a great game, with a lot of confidence, a competitive spirit, working more than ever as a team.”
Filipe Luís, coach of Flamengo: “Maximum respect for Atlético, a great team, finalist of the Libertadores, with a fantastic coach, playing excellent football. It will be very difficult. We are both still far from this trophy. For me it is 50 % to 50%.
Match Officials
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Referee: Raphael Claus (FIFA-SP)
Assistants: Neuza Inês Back (FIFA-SP) and Danilo Ricardo Simon Manis (FIFA-SP)
VAR: Daiane Muniz (FIFA-SP)
