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After a disappointing end to 2024, Clube Atlético Mineiro is aiming to rediscover its winning ways in the United States. For the first time in six years, the Galo will compete on American soil, facing its fierce rivals Cruzeiro in a match for the FC Series, a friendly tournament.
This clash, which pits two of Brazil’s most storied teams against each other, will be the first-ever edition of the “Clássico Mineiro” held in the U.S. The game is set to take place in Orlando, a city known for its attractions but also home to a significant population of Brazilian immigrants and tourists, especially from the state of Minas Gerais.
Atlético Mineiro’s New Chapter in 2025
The match against Cruzeiro marks the beginning of Atlético Mineiro’s 2025 season, a year the club hopes will bring a reversal of fortunes. Last season ended in heartbreak, with the team losing in the finals of both the Copa do Brasil and the Copa Libertadores to Flamengo and Botafogo, respectively.
To kickstart this new chapter, the club has brought in a familiar face. Alex Stival, better known as Cuca, returns as head coach after two years. Cuca is no stranger to the Galo faithful, having guided the team to its greatest achievements, including the 2013 Copa Libertadores, as well as a domestic double in 2021 (Brasileirão and Copa do Brasil).
Squad Changes: Key Transfers In and Out
The offseason saw significant changes to Atlético Mineiro’s roster, although it continues to ride its attack through the veteran Hulk. Beyond the iconic 9, the Galo brings in changes from last year's team but none in attack.
Despite these changes, the team’s core remains intact, with stars beyond Hulk, like Éverson, Júnior Alonso, Guilherme Arana, and Gustavo Scarpa expected to lead the squad. However, given that this is Atlético’s first match of the season, these players may not feature for the full 90 minutes.
- Arrivals:
- Patrick and Gabriel Menino: The midfield duo arrived in a high-profile deal that sent striker Paulinho to Palmeiras, alongside a €17 million transfer fee.
- Natanael: The right-back from Coritiba has joined the squad, although the club has yet to announce his signing officially.
- Departures:
- Paulinho: The standout forward over the last two seasons moved to Palmeiras and now the question becomes: who will step up as Hulk's attacking mate to fill the void?
- Rodrigo Battaglia: Sold to Boca Juniors, leaving a gap in midfield.
- Matías Zaracho: Returned to Racing, which reacquired full ownership of the player’s rights.
- Alan Kardec and Mariano: Both veterans were released due to their high salaries. Kardec has since joined Athletico Paranaense.
A Rivalry for the Ages
The “Clássico Mineiro” between Atlético and Cruzeiro is one of Brazil’s most intense rivalries. Atlético, the older of the two clubs, dominated the early years of Minas Gerais football. However, the rise of Cruzeiro—originally named Palestra Itália—challenged Atlético’s supremacy, splitting the state's fanbase.
This will not be the first time the two rivals face off outside Brazil. In 2009, they clashed in Uruguay during a friendly tournament that also featured Peñarol and Nacional. Cruzeiro won that encounter 4-2.
Now, the rivalry heads to Orlando, a city that blends tourism and Brazilian expatriate culture. Many fans attending the match will be locals who emigrated from Minas Gerais or tourists taking a break from theme parks.
What’s at Stake?
While the match is officially a friendly, try telling that to the fans. The rivalry between Atlético and Cruzeiro transcends league points or tournament trophies. Bragging rights are on the line, even in preseason.
For Atlético Mineiro, this game is an opportunity to test their new signings and tactics under Cuca’s guidance, as they prepare for a grueling 2025 campaign in Brazilian and continental competitions.
The Classico's Bigger Picture: Football, Society, and Music
Football never exists in isolation. The game reflects broader cultural and societal connections. Writing this piece, Uruguay’s historical ties to Brazilian football and politics come to mind. During the 2009 clash between Atlético and Cruzeiro in Montevideo, the country was home to prominent figures like Eduardo Galeano, a writer who celebrated the beauty of football, and José Mujica, a beloved leftist leader who recently revealed his battle with cancer.
Closer to home, the rivalry has even inspired music. The late Vander Lee, a renowned Minas Gerais artist, immortalized the “Clássico Mineiro” in his song Galo e Cruzeiro, capturing the passion and tension that divides fans in Belo Horizonte.
The significance of this game may be minimal in terms of trophies or league standings. Yet, for the fans, it’s a chance to reconnect with home, celebrate their clubs, and live the emotion of one of Brazil’s greatest rivalries—even if it’s thousands of miles from Belo Horizonte.
Will Atlético Mineiro’s new-look squad deliver a victory, or will Cruzeiro spoil their plans in Disney's backyard?
