Athletico-PR vs Cuiabá Prediction: Can Cuiabá surprise once again?

In the last fixture of the first half of the Brasileirão, two teams with the same 28 points will face each other. Athletico and Cuiabá occupy seventh and eighth place, respectively, and are very close to the positions that can grant access to next season's Copa Libertadores. The Paranaenses were eliminated this week from the competition by Bolívar and want to return next year. Cuiabá, whose season goal was to escape relegation, is beginning to believe that it can qualify for an international competition, perhaps for the Copa Libertadores. The team from Mato Grosso do Sul is on a run of four consecutive victories and surprisingly against tough teams like Fortaleza, São Paulo, Internacional, and Flamengo. Will Cuiabá pull off another surprise?

The elimination in the Copa Libertadores Round of 16 was a big disappointment for the Furacão. The team had lost in La Paz 3-1 in the first leg and managed to tie the knockout round by beating Bolívar in the second leg 2-0, but the Bolivians were better on penalties. Athletico Paranaense will now focus on the Brasileirão with the aim of securing qualification for the most prestigious South American football competition. In the last round of the league, the team let the victory against Santos slip in the last minutes of the match. Athletico has been lacking some luck and needs to win to leave behind the disappointments.

In the last round, the Dourado left Brazilian football enthusiasts stunned by defeating Flamengo 3-0. This result confirmed the growth of this modest club from Mato Grosso do Sul. The team plays without pressure, without fear of anyone, and is currently a very dangerous team. Away from home, Cuiabá has the second-best record in the league, with 16 points achieved, just one point less than leader Botafogo. António Oliveira's team is very well organized and dangerous in counterattack.

It's a match where anything can happen. Athletico Paranaense is strong at home, and Cuiabá feels comfortable away from home. If the visitors score first, it will be difficult for Athletico-PR to turn the result around. I will bet on a Double Chance favorable to Cuiabá. The Dourado's confidence is very high.