Atlético-MG vs Fluminense Prediction: Fluminense will be looking to bring points to Rio

Atlético Mineiro and Fluminense will meet in this round in a preview of the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals. Both teams won their second-leg matches at home this week and will fight for passage to the semi-finals of the South American competition. This Brasileirão match is more important for Fluminense than Atlético, as the Cariocas are in the relegation zone.

The Rooster won 1-0 against San Lorenzo with a Rodrigo Battaglia header from a corner in the 65th minute. After a 1-1 draw in Argentina in the first leg, Atlético needed to win to progress in the Copa Libertadores but had to suffer. The Argentinians had several chances to score and hit the post in the 43rd minute through Leguizamón. In the quarter-finals, the Miners will meet Fluminense, their next opponent in the Brasileirão. In a few days, Atlético will face São Paulo in the Copa do Brasil quarter-finals, and Gabriel Milito will probably rest some players against Fluminense. The Belo Horizonte side is eighth in the table and can prioritize the other competitions it can win.

The Copa Libertadores holder beat Grêmio on penalties after a 2-1 victory at the end of the 90 minutes. The Cariocas started the game strongly, and after 28 minutes, they were already 2-0 up with goals from Thiago Silva and Jhon Arias. In the second half, the Gaúchos reacted and reduced the deficit through Gustavo Nunes in the 76th minute, leveling the score. In the penalty shootout, 43-year-old goalkeeper Fábio was the hero for Fluminense, saving two shots. The Tricolor must now focus on the Brasileirão to leave the relegation zone. Fluminense is in 18th place with 21 points and hasn't won either of its last two league games. It's vital to get a result at the Arena MRV and, if possible, a victory. 

Both teams won crucial games in the Copa Libertadores this week, boosting their confidence. Anything can happen in this game. Atlético Mineiro has been very inconsistent at home in the league and probably won't field its best team against Fluminense, as it has an away match with São Paulo for the Copa do Brasil a few days later. Besides that, Hulk is injured and will miss the game. Fluminense has improved considerably in defense, so I'm leaning towards a draw.