Cruzeiro vs Atlético-MG Prediction: Two historic rivals clash at the Mineirão

Round 22 has four classics, but this confrontation between two Belo Horizonte big clubs is probably where the rivalry is most intense. The Fox and the Rooster have met 391 times in the last 100 years, with Atlético Mineiro holding the advantage with 155 wins against 130 for Cruzeiro. The Clássico Mineiro is always a highly anticipated match, and there will be close to 60,000 people at the Mineirão.

Fernando Seabra's team finally lost at home. It was against Fortaleza, but the game took place in Cariacica for commercial reasons. A decision that generated some extra revenue but resulted in a loss of points. Cruzeiro went in at half-time 2-1 down and couldn't find the space to tie the game in the second half. The Cearenses neutralized Matheus Pereira, affecting the Cruzeiro build-up play. The Fox is in fifth place with 35 points, and a win against rival Atlético will help to forget the negative result of the last round. Cruzeiro will face Boca Juniors in the Copa Sudamericana in a few days, so it's a crucial week for the team.

The Rooster qualified for the Copa do Brasil quarter-finals by beating CRB 3-0 at home. In the first leg, the two teams had drawn 2-2, but in the second game, the Série B team, based in Maceió, couldn't resist a superior team. In the Brasileirão, Atlético lost 2-1 at Criciúma in the last round, and qualification for the cup gives the team some confidence for the Clássico Mineiro. Atlético-MG is ninth on 28 points and can't afford to lose. Next week, Milito's men travel to Argentina to play San Lorenzo in the Copa Libertadores, a competition won by Atlético Mineiro in 2013.

This game puts two arch-enemies against each other, who, despite having crucial games a few days later against Argentinian clubs, will fight to the last drop of sweat to win the derby. Atlético Mineiro has an advantage in the history between the clubs but is playing away from home, and Cruzeiro is strong at the Mineirão. There's no favorite, but I will bet that Atlético Mineiro doesn't lose to cover two possible outcomes.