Atlético-MG vs Cruzeiro Prediction: The Clássico Mineiro stops Belo Horizonte

The capital of the state of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, is eagerly awaiting the Clássico Mineiro, a meeting between the two biggest clubs in the city and the region. The Rooster and the Fox rivalry has been arousing the greatest passion among the Mineiros since 1950 when Cruzeiro took over from América-MG as Atlético's biggest rival. The first meeting between the two clubs took place in 1921, in a friendly. At that time, it was far from imagined that the rivalry would take on gigantic dimensions, given that Atlético and América had already been founded several years earlier and Cruzeiro had only just been founded.

The Rooster made an excellent showing at the Allianz Parque against Palmeiras, culminating in an uncontested 2-0 win with goals from Hulk and Paulinho. It was a return to winning ways after the shocking home defeat to Coritiba, the only game Atlético hasn't won in the last five. Scolari's team continues to climb in the standings and is now in seventh place with 43 points, just one point off fourth place, which guarantees access to the Copa Libertadores group stage. Atlético's fans are expecting nothing less than a win against rival Cruzeiro.

The Fox is struggling in the Brasileirão, where it hasn't won in four games. The team continues to slide down the table and currently has 31 points, just one point above the relegation zone. The return to the Série B is beginning to loom large in the minds of everyone who loves the club, and at the moment, there seems to be no way for the team to improve. In its last match, Cruzeiro lost at home to Flamengo, a game in which the Cariocas had little trouble. Beating rival Atlético Mineiro would be the best thing to happen to Cruzeiro at this bad time of the season. The team urgently needs a win, and if it comes in the Clássico Mineiro, it would be highly morale-boosting.

Atlético Mineiro is playing at home and is in good form, so it's the clear favorite in the derby. Cruzeiro is considered the underdog and needs to overcome itself to get a positive result at the new Arena MRV. The players must forget the team's delicate position in the standings and focus exclusively on fighting the enemy. I'm backing Atlético Mineiro to win this match.