Atlético Mineiro Vs Mirassol: 18 Points, 13th Place, Saturday Test
Atlético Mineiro vs Mirassol arrives at Arena MRV on Saturday with both sides carrying midweek cup wins into a league meeting that already carries weight in the lower half of Serie A. Atlético Mineiro sit 13th with 18 points and are one point above the relegation zone before round 16.
Arena MRV And The Table
That position makes the next league result more than a routine date on the calendar. Atlético Mineiro have conceded in six consecutive Serie A matches, and last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Botafogo came after a stoppage-time equaliser.
They have still found some home form in recent weeks, beating Sao Paulo and Athletico-PR, but the loss of Hulk to Fluminense earlier this month has shifted the load toward Bernard, Cassierra and Cuello. Those names now carry more of the creative burden while the team tries to stop the run of goals allowed.
Everson Leads In Fortaleza
Midweek brought a different kind of pressure. In Fortaleza, Atlético Mineiro beat Ceara on penalties to reach the Copa do Brasil round of 16, with Everson making two saves in the shootout before converting the decisive kick himself.
Kaua Pascini had already forced penalties with a late goal in normal time, turning a difficult cup tie into a place in the next round. Eduardo Dominguez got the result he needed, but the league table leaves little margin if that control does not carry over into Saturday.
Mirassol Bring Their Own Momentum
Mirassol arrive with a similar boost and a similar problem. They advanced in the Copa do Brasil after a 2-1 win over Bragantino in midweek, taking the tie 3-2 on aggregate, and Tiquinho Soares scored his first goal for the club while Edson Carioca added another decisive contribution.
Rafael Guanaes’ side are 18th with 13 points, which keeps the league picture tight at the wrong end of the table. Mirassol have also conceded in every away league game this season, even as they recently beat Corinthians 2-1 and drew 1-1 with Chapecoense.
The reverse fixture ended 2-2 at Maiao earlier this season, so neither side can treat this as a simple home or away assignment. Atlético Mineiro need a cleaner league performance after six straight Serie A matches with a goal conceded, and Mirassol need away points to match the lift they got from the cup.
