Atlético Mineiro are the first semifinalists of the 2026 Copa do Brasil.
They lost a starter before the ball had even rolled, went behind thanks to Kaio Jorge, and came back after going a man up.
Galo were strong, vengeful, and had the talent of the decisive Fred to secure a 2-1 win over their rivals on Tuesday night, September 1, after a 1-1 draw in the first leg.
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The spot was sealed in front of 42,992 fans, the biggest crowd of the year at Arena MRV.
There was more to Ruan 🆚 Kaio Jorge
The introduction of Cruzeiro’s No. 19 had forced the Atlético defender to be substituted in the first leg.
Kaio Jorge ended up being reported to the STJD, but received only a warning.
And Ruan did not want to greet his opponent in the pre-match protocol before the ball rolled.
The reunion lasted only 15 minutes, as the defender had to leave the match after 15 minutes following a challenge with his “nemesis.”
That was Galo’s second unexpected setback, as Maycon felt something in the warm-up and did not even play.
Chances and… deadly Kaio Jorge
The first big chance of a fiery first half fell to Bernard after a mistake by Matheus Pereira in midfield.
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But Otávio said “no.”
Cruzeiro’s response came through Matheus Pereira himself.
Then Kaio Jorge was back in the spotlight after winning a penalty from Vitão — who had come on for Ruan.
KJ ignored his five-match drought and converted with no chance for Everson (30′). It was his seventh career goal against Atlético.
Galo pushed hard until the break. But they lacked finishing quality.
Bernard had another great chance. And completely missed it.
🟥 Cruzeiro go down to ten men
Atlético came back for the second half with the same intensity.
That kept their rivals under pressure.
Already on a yellow, Villalba was shown a second and sent off after a foul on Cuello (15′).
Artur Jorge took off his three main players: Matheus Pereira, Gerson (who was already asking to come off), and Kaio Jorge.
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And birthday boy Eduardo Domínguez went with Minda and Victor Hugo, making Galo more attacking-minded.
Comeback to clinch qualification 🐓
The black-and-white pressure intensified against a Cruzeiro side looking for counterattacks.
Fred had been “quiet” on the pitch. But he showed up at just the right moment, receiving from Scarpa and setting up Victor Hugo, who leveled it (77′).
Raposa tried to hang on, but could not put together a good attack.
Nor could they contain their rivals’ momentum.
Another contribution from Victor Hugo and a goal from fan favorite Fred made it 2-1 (86′).
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Qualification for the team that had already been controlling the game even before the sending-off.
What now❓
Atlético will face either Grêmio or Internacional next.
The second leg will be on Thursday (3) after a goalless scoreline at Beira-Rio.
What is certain is that Galo have secured R$9 million in prize money.
Galo will be back in action on Saturday (5).
They are eighth in the Brasileirão and will visit São Paulo (11th).
Raposa (6th), meanwhile, will host Athletico (3rd) on Sunday (6).
Only the Brazilian Championship remains for Cabuloso.
Featured photo: Pedro Souza / Atlético
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.
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