Flamengo vs Atletico Mineiro: Match Analysis and Prediction
Four-time Copa Libertadores winners Flamengo face off against seven-time Brazilian Serie A champions Atletico Mineiro in the first leg of their Copa Libertadores Round of 16 tie.
The two Brazilian giants will meet at the iconic Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday, August 31.
Flamengo, who are the defending Copa Libertadores champions, will be looking to make a strong start to their title defense. They have been in impressive form in recent weeks, winning their last five matches in all competitions.
Atletico Mineiro, meanwhile, are also in good form, having won four of their last five matches. They will be looking to cause an upset against Flamengo and take a lead into the second leg.
The match is expected to be a close one, with both teams拥有several quality players.
Here is a preview of the match, including a look at the teams' form, head-to-head record, and predicted starting lineups.
Flamengo
Flamengo are the most successful club in Copa Libertadores history, having won the competition four times. They are also the defending champions, having beaten River Plate in the final last year.
Flamengo have been in impressive form in recent weeks, winning their last five matches in all competitions.
They will be looking to make a strong start to their title defense and take a lead into the second leg.
Atletico Mineiro
Atletico Mineiro are one of the most successful clubs in Brazilian history, having won the Serie A title seven times.
They are also in good form, having won four of their last five matches.
They will be looking to cause an upset against Flamengo and take a lead into the second leg.
Head-to-Head Record
Flamengo and Atletico Mineiro have met 59 times in all competitions.
Flamengo have won 26 matches, Atletico Mineiro have won 19 matches, and 14 matches have been drawn.
The two teams last met in the 2021 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, with Flamengo winning 2-0.
Predicted Starting Lineups
Flamengo: Santos; Rodinei, David Luiz, Léo Pereira, Filipe Luís; Thiago Maia, João Gomes, Everton Ribeiro; Gabigol, Pedro, Bruno Henrique.
Atletico Mineiro: Everson; Mariano, Nathan Silva, Junior Alonso, Guilherme Arana; Allan, Jair, Nacho Fernández; Keno, Hulk, Eduardo Sasha.
Prediction
Flamengo are the favorites to win the match, but Atletico Mineiro are a dangerous team and could cause an upset.
I predict that Flamengo will win the match 2-1.