Atlético Mineiro is at a crucial point in the Copa Sudamericana, according to reports from O Tempo and CNN Esportes. The Brazilian team will play against Bolívar in La Paz on Wednesday for the first leg of the quarterfinals. They face the challenge of recent poor performance and playing at high altitude. The match will begin at 7 p.m. Brasília time at Estadio Hernando Siles.
The Galo arrives in Bolivia without a win in their last five league matches and are still recovering from their elimination by rivals Cruzeiro in the Copa do Brasil. Coach Jorge Sampaoli has not yet improved the situation, failing to secure a victory in his first two games. After a recent draw with Santos, Sampaoli acknowledged that the team is performing below expectations and urged for more ambition to change their fortunes.
With the match taking place at 3,600 meters above sea level, altitude is a major challenge. Sampaoli pointed out the need to “defend with the ball” to reduce fatigue, although he recognized that there are still structural issues within the team. The return of center back Junior Alonso from suspension provides some much-needed stability in defense.
On the other hand, Bolívar is enjoying a strong patch this season. The Bolivian champions are unbeaten for over a month and reached this stage by defeating Palestino in the playoffs and Cienciano in the round of 16. Goalkeeper Carlos Lampe is a key player for the team, supported by defender Richard Sagredo and forwards Martín Cauteruccio and Patricio Rodríguez.
Atlético Mineiro is likely to field Everson in goal, backed by Natanael, Lyanco, Junior Alonso, and Guilherme Arana in defense; Fausto Vera, Alan Franco, Gustavo Scarpa, and Igor Gomes in midfield; with Cuello and Hulk leading the attack. The Galo must navigate Bolívar’s strong form and the challenging altitude to secure a good result ahead of the second leg in Belo Horizonte.
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