Atlético-MG visits Bahia worried and guarantees a double in case of victory
The day that Atlético-MG fans have been waiting for 50 years may finally have arrived. This Thursday (2), Galo faces Bahia at Arena Fonte Nova, in Salvador, at 18:00 (Brasilia time), in a delayed match of the 32nd round of the Brazilian Championship. In case of victory, Alvinegro ensures, in advance, the cup of the competition, which has not won since 1971.
The Atletico fan had expectations of having the party last Tuesday (30th), but the victory of the vice-leader Flamengo over Ceará, by 2-1, at Maracanã, in Rio de Janeiro, postponed the celebration. At least that official one, since the two-time champion choir has already taken the stands of Mineirão, in Belo Horizonte, after the 2-1 triumph over Fluminense, last Sunday (28).
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Galo has 78 points, eight more than Rubro-Negro, with both having nine points to dispute. In the event of a tie or defeat, the cup can be secured by the miners on Friday (3), if the cariocas do not beat the already relegated Sport at Arena Pernambuco, at 20h, with live broadcast on Rádio Nacional .
Coach Cuca will not be able to count on defensive midfielders Allan and Jair and forward Diego Costa, all suspended, as well as defender Réver, injured. The expectation is that the coach will send Galo to the field with: Everson; Mariano, Nathan Silva, Junior Alonso and Guilherme Arana; Tchê Tchê, Alan Franco, Matias Zaracho and Nacho Fernández; Hulk and Eduardo Vargas.
The duel is also fundamental for Bahia, which appears in 17th position, the first in the relegation zone, with 40 points. Esquadrão de Aço had the opportunity to leave the Z4 last Tuesday, but wasted it after losing 2-1 to Atlético-GO, at Antônio Accioly stadium, in Goiânia. The Bahians have to beat the miners to overtake Athletico-PR and Cuiabá and continue depending on them to continue in Serie A.
Full-back Juninho Capixaba, who has been playing as a left-winger, was sent off against Goiás and embezzles the team led by Guto Ferreira. Defender Luiz Otávio, with knee pain, has not faced Atlético and it is doubtful. The probable Bahia on this farm will have: Danilo Fernandes; Nino Paraíba, Germán Conti, Gustavo Henrique and Matheus Bahia; Patrick de Lucca, Lucas Mugni and Rodriguinho; Rossi, Raí Nascimento and Gilberto.
Also this Thursday, Grêmio will host São Paulo at the Arena, in Porto Alegre, from 20h, in a clash that may decree the relegation of the hosts in the event of a draw or defeat. The Gauchos have 36 points, in the 18th and penultimate position, six points behind Athletico-PR, the first team out of the Z4, with nine points up for grabs. The São Paulo Tricolor, with 45 points, has to win to get rid of the risk of falling to Serie B.
Text translated using artificial intelligence.
