Atlético Mineiro vs Cruzeiro: What to Know About the Minas Gerais Derby
Atletico Mineiro and Cruzeiro meet in the second leg of a Copa do Brasil quarterfinal with a semifinal spot at stake. Here is how the tie stands, what the home record says, and how viewers outside Brazil can watch.
A Derby With a Semifinal on the Line
The match is set for September 1, 2026, at 21:00 Brasilia time at Arena MRV, Atletico Mineiro's home stadium. It is the return leg after the first match ended 1-1. If the score is level again after 90 minutes, the tie goes to penalties. The winner moves into the semifinals of Brazil's national cup competition.
That setup makes the evening unusually tense. Cruzeiro scored first through Arroyo in the opening leg. Atletico Mineiro answered with a goal from Renan Lodi. At 1-1, neither team carries a meaningful edge into the second match.
Why the Venue and Recent Form Matter
Atletico Mineiro arrives on a 13-game unbeaten run across all competitions, according to the club's official site and Brazilian sports outlet GE. The club also has a strong record at Arena MRV: 11 wins, 10 draws, and one loss in 22 home matches there. That one defeat is part of the derby's subtext. Cruzeiro is one of only two teams to have beaten Atletico at the stadium and one of the few sides to have eliminated them in a knockout tie.
The broader history slightly favors the home side. The two clubs have played 48 times overall, with Atletico winning 19, drawing 17, and losing 12, per the club's official records. In those matches, Atletico has scored 65 goals and conceded 50.
The cup run itself has not been plain sailing. In five matches in this year's competition, Atletico has two wins, two draws, one loss, five goals scored, and four conceded. The margin between advancing and going home is narrow.
Where to Watch and Who May Play
For viewers in Brazil, the match is available on SporTV and Premiere, with live coverage on GE's site. International viewers can watch through OneFootball, according to the club. ESPN's Brazilian edition is also providing live updates.
Team news adds uncertainty. Atletico Mineiro's official site lists Lyanco, Leo Duarte, and Igor Gomes as injured. Goalkeeper Everson is a doubt with a foot injury, and Gabriel Delfim may start in his place. Cruzeiro striker Kaio Jorge, after receiving only a warning from the sport's disciplinary body, is available.
Raphael Claus is the referee.
What the Game Means
A single match will settle months of cup work. The derby is a local grudge with national consequence: the winner goes deeper into a tournament that rewards survival with each round. The first leg's draw removed any safety net. Both teams know that one mistake, one moment of brilliance, or one bad penalty shootout can decide the rivalry's latest chapter. For Atletico, it is also a chance to protect a stadium record and an unbeaten stretch that opponents will remember. For Cruzeiro, it is a chance to do what only one other team has done at Arena MRV: win there when it mattered most.