Flamengo vs Atlético Mineiro Prediction: The Rooster is hurt

The two teams will meet again a few days after the Copa do Brasil final won by Flamengo. Revenge is a strong word, but the sentiment will certainly be on the minds of the Miners, undoubtedly disappointed by their defeat in the final. Atlético can still win a trophy, the Copa Libertadores, but for now, the goal is to beat Flamengo.

The Scarlet-Black had won 3-1 in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil final and beat Atlético Mineiro again in the second leg. In a game with many missed chances for both teams, the game's only goal came in the 82nd minute through Gonzalo Plata. Atlético shot 19 times while Flamengo shot 18, which shows how wasteful both sides were. It was the first title for Filipe Luís as Flamengo coach and a great relief for everyone at the club, who risked ending the season with just one minor trophy, the Campeonato Carioca. With this relevant victory, the Vulture secured qualification for the Copa Libertadores and will face the remaining matches of the season without pressure.

The defeat in the final was a huge blow and a warning sign because if Atlético doesn't win the Copa Libertadores, it risks being out of the next edition. The Miners are in 11th place and must move up the table, as only the seven top finishers should qualify for the Copa Libertadores. Eighth and ninth places may eventually also grant access to the legendary competition, but for that to happen, Botafogo and Cruzeiro must win, respectively, the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana. The Belo Horizonte club will face an intense end to the season, and it would be important to get a good result against Flamengo at the Maracanã.

Several players from both teams are with their national squads, and Flamengo is the most affected. The Cariocas' line-up will be different from the usual one, so Atlético can take advantage of that if its attitude is right. The Miners lost the Copa do Brasil final against Flamengo a few days ago, so they'll want to retaliate. I'm going for a Double Chance for Atlético Mineiro.