Athletico-PR vs RB Bragantino Prediction: Can Red Bull Bragantino go even higher?

The quality of the clubs purchased by Red Bull is well known, and for anyone who doubted that the same would happen in Brazil, all they need to do is look at the Brasileirão table. Red Bull Bragantino is in second place ahead of some of the most powerful clubs in Brazilian football. The Massa Bruta was in the Série B when the energy drinks giant acquired it and now has legitimate aspirations of reaching the Copa Libertadores. Can RB Bragantino go any higher?

The Hurricane suffered a rather humiliating defeat in the Paraná derby. A 2-0 loss to rival Coritiba, who is in last place in the Série A, could leave its mark, and we'll see how the team reacts. Athletico is in eighth place but has lost key players to injury, such as Arturo Vidal and especially Vitor Roque, the wonder kid who has already signed for Barcelona. The squad has quality, but there's no doubt that they don't have anyone who can compensate for the talent of the young striker.

The Massa Bruta pulled off a stunning 2-1 victory against defending champion Palmeiras in the last round. It's true that the Paulistas played with substitutes in preparation for the Copa Libertadores clash with Boca Juniors, but a turnaround after losing against such a difficult team to play against is always to be praised. The winning goal came in the 90th minute through Eric Ramires, sending the Bragantino fans wild. With less pressure than the big clubs, Red Bull always goes out to win, and this match at the Ligga Arena will be no different.

Athletico Paranaense is a tough team at home but has lost its star player, Vitor Roque, who is unlikely to play again this season. RB Bragantino appears extremely confident, but we'll see how the team behaves now it is in second place. It's not easy to win at the LIgga Arena, where only Grêmio has taken three points. I'm going to bet on a draw, which has high odds.