Deportes Tolima vs Clube Atletico Mineiro: Will the Galos extend their winning streak to 11 games?

In the first round of the Libertadores Cup, Colombia's Tolima will face Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro. Following last season's triumphs, Atletico Mineiro is in great form and is heading to Colombia in high spirits for their first three points of the opening round of the tournament.

Tolima finished last season's series with a minimal home win over America de Cali. After the international break, the home side confidently beat Pereira 2:0 on the road. The results are good, however, after 14 rounds played in the championship of Colombia, Tolima is in second place, behind the leading side Atletico Nacional one point behind, with a goal difference of 20:10, also second in the division. Tolima's home statistics are only 11th in the division with 67% of wins, +4=0-2, 9:6 goal difference.

Atletico Mineiro's winning streak extends to 10 matches. Their most recent loss was a 0:1 defeat to the URT club in the state championship on 10 February. However, one match in that period, the Super Cup match against Flamengo, required a penalty shot as the regular time ended with the score 2:2. In April, Atletico Mineiro played their state final against Cruzeiro and soundly defeated their opponents 3:1, thanks to a Hulk double and a Fernandes assist from the same Hulk.

Tolima has a good home record in the Colombian league. But it is one thing to play against an average club in their own league and quite another to play against the strongest team in Brazil and, at the moment, perhaps the whole of South America. Atletico Mineiro has a 10-match winning streak, including a victory against Flamengo in the Supercup of Brazil, for good reason. Tolima will certainly put up a good fight against Atletico and will not give up their home game for nothing. However, considering the Brazilians' high level and the visitors' excellent form, we'll choose the Galo. W2 for 1.80.

In 2022, Tolima failed to score only once, in a 2:0 win against Juniors. The Colombians are very dangerous on home soil. Though Atletico Mineiro's defence is solid enough, we will still expect the home side to score, but they will keep Atletico Mineiro from getting three straight points from Colombia. Our second bet is 1:2 for 8.5.

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