Atlético Goianiense vs Flamengo Prediction: Flamengo can't underestimate its opponent

Atlético Goianiense hosts Flamengo in a game where the gap between the quality of the teams is considerable, but this doesn't mean that the Carioca champion will win easily. It could happen, but for that to occur, Tite's team will have to remain focused throughout the game without underestimating the opposition. Atlético also won the Goiano championship, so it's also a champion. The Dragon hasn't lost in 15 matches, including two rounds of the Copa do Brasil.

Atlético returned to the Série A a year after relegation. The club spent three years playing in the elite and even entered the Copa Sudamericana in 2022. The Dragon's run in that competition was formidable, losing only in the semi-finals to São Paulo on penalties. However, at the end of the season, Atlético Goianiense fell into the Série B. The team won three consecutive Campeonatos Goianos for the first time and has displayed a knack for scoring goals under coach Jair Ventura. Signed this season, Vagner Love, the former Brazilian international, continues to score goals at the age of 39.

It was more challenging than expected for the Cariocas on Copa Libertadores Matchday 2. At the Maracanã, Flamengo beat Palestino 2-0 to claim the first win in the competition. Pedro scored a brilliant goal in the 19th minute, and it looked like the game would be easy, but the second goal only came in the 85th minute through Léo Ortiz. In the Brasileirão, Flamengo is perhaps the strongest contender to prevent Palmeiras from winning a third consecutive trophy. The Scarlet-Black has already won the Campeonato Carioca and has shown an impressive solid defense, with only one goal conceded in fifteen matches. In Goiânia, Flamengo will hope to start its journey towards the league title.

Both teams are in good form and haven't lost for many matches. Of course, there's a big difference in quality between the Goiano and Copa do Brasil initial rounds, where Atlético has been competing, and the Carioca and Copa Libertadores, where Flamengo has been playing. I will bet on Flamengo winning, even though Atlético Goianiense will try to score goals against Tite's team.