Author: Vishwajit Sawant
Atlético-MG – Cuiaba – 1:0
In a decisive match in the Brazilian Championship, Atlético-MG secured their coveted place in the G6, the group of the six best teams that guarantee a place in the 2024 Copa Libertadores, thanks to a solitary goal from striker Paulinho. The match was played at the MRV Arena, Atlético-MG’s home in Belo Horizonte, and marked the end of the 24th round.
Despite remaining in ninth place in the Campeonato Brasileiro standings, Atlético-MG’s victory put them in the G6 on 37 points, just three points behind Athletico-PR, the team currently occupying the last position in the group. Flamengo, with 40 points, and Fortaleza, with 38, are ahead of Galo, while Cuiabá are in 11th place with 29 points.
The decisive goal came in the 42nd minute when Paulinho, after a well-executed combination with Hulk, cleverly found the back of the net, sparking a celebration from the home fans. Note that in the 14th minute, Paulinho hit the post with the ball.
Now that both teams are preparing for the 25th round of the Brazilian Championship, Atlético-MG’s victory not only secured their place in the Copa Libertadores, but also shows their determination to climb even higher in the standings. In the next games, Cuiabá will face Fluminense at the Arena Pantanal, while Atlético-MG will face Internacional at the Beira-Rio in Porto Alegre, promising another exciting chapter in the drama of Brazilian soccer.