Atlético Mineiro vs Botafogo Prediction: Botafogo defends the throne

It's the big game of Round 34 and an appetizer for the Copa Libertadores final. The two sides will fight for the legendary trophy at the end of the month, but first, Atlético and Botafogo will clash in a stadium without a crowd. The match will take place at the Independência, América-MG's stadium, without fans in the stands due to the incidents in the Copa do Brasil final.

The Rooster lost 1-0 away to Atletico Paranaense and hasn't scored a goal in four matches. Atlético Mineiro is perhaps the most inconsistent team in Brazil, with a place in the Copa Libertadores final and a mid-table position in the league. A few weeks ago, the Miners defeated River Plate 3-0 and haven't scored a goal since. They've also gone months without winning a home game, but strangely enough, they could end the season as the best team in South America. Atlético will want to win to gain a psychological advantage for the final in Buenos Aires. In the league, the team wants to improve its 10th place, a disappointing position for a team with excellent players.

The Glorious is close to the finish line but can't lose speed. Botafogo holds a four-point lead over second-placed Palmeiras with 15 points left to play. Botafogo still has to play at the Allianz Parque in Round 36, in the decisive match of the competition. The Cariocas must win their next game, and they can't waste their luck in facing Atlético Mineiro on a neutral field without a crowd. Botafogo has been the better team throughout the season, but the Brasileirão is a marathon. In the last round, Artur Jorge's team drew at home to Cuiabá, 19th in the table, leaving the fans anxious.

It will be somewhat bizarre watching the Copa Libertadores finalists play in an empty stadium, bringing back memories of the pandemic. Botafogo must win to remain at least four points above Palmeiras after surprisingly dropping two points at home to Cuiabá. Atlético isn't playing well and hasn't scored a goal in four games. Whoever wins this match can gain confidence for the final in Buenos Aires. I'm betting on a Double Chance in favor of Botafogo with a maximum of three goals scored in the game.