Sunday, May 19, 2025 – 00:30 (GMT)

It’s the Clássico Mineiro as Cruzeiro host fierce rivals Atlético Mineiro in what promises to be a fiery showdown in Belo Horizonte. The last time these two sides met was back in February, when Gabriel Barbosa was shown a red card for Cruzeiro — a moment that shifted the match in Atlético’s favour.

Hulk stepped up and made the most of the advantage, scoring a brace to seal a 2-0 win for Atlético at the Estádio Mineirão in the Campeonato Mineiro.

Both sides will be fired up for another chapter in one of Brazil’s most historic derbies.

Cruzeiro
Cruzeiro are unbeaten in their last six matches and are starting to look like one of the most solid sides in the league. During this run, they have picked up five wins and one draw, showing consistency at both ends of the pitch.

Last time out in the league, they delivered a dominant performance against Sport Recife. First-half goals from Kaio Jorge and Matheus Pereira, as well as an own goal from Igor Carius, fired them into a commanding three-goal lead. Pereira remained involved throughout, scoring again in the second half to seal a comprehensive victory.

Then in midweek, despite already being eliminated from the Copa Sudamericana, Cruzeiro enjoyed a 2-1 comeback win over Palestino of Chile. Goals from Yannick Bolasie and Gabriel Barbosa turned the match around after falling behind early.

Cruzeiro will now be hoping to carry their momentum into this clash as they continue their push up the Brasileirão table.

Atlético Mineiro
After spending the early weeks of the season in the drop zone, Atlético Mineiro have begun to turn things around. They’ve now won three of their last four matches and remain unbeaten during that stretch — a much-needed boost for a side with high expectations.

Last time out in the league, they edged Fluminense 3-2 in a thrilling encounter. Goals from Rubens, Júnior Santos and a dramatic last-minute winner from Igor Gomes secured all three points for Galo.

Then in midweek, Cuca’s side continued their strong form with a 3-1 victory over Caracas of Venezuela in the Copa Libertadores. The result means Atlético now need just a point in their final group match to secure a spot in the knockout stages.

They’ll be looking to keep that momentum rolling in this high-stakes Clássico Mineiro against rivals Cruzeiro.

Prediction – Cruzeiro 2-2 Atlético Mineiro