The action continues in the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals as Fluminense play host to Atletico Mineiro at the Estadio do Maracana on Wednesday. Both sides will head into the midweek clash looking to secure a vital first-leg advantage and we anticipate a thrilling all-Brazilian showdown.
Fluminense failed to pull clear of the Serie A relegation places on Sunday as they fell to a 2-1 loss against Juventude after giving up their lead in the final nine minutes of the game.
Before that, Mano Menezes’ men were on a four-game unbeaten run across all competitions, picking up three wins and one draw while scoring six goals and keeping three clean sheets since mid-August.
Fluminense now turn their attention to the Copa Libertadores, where they finished top of Group A with 14 points from six matches, before seeing off Gremio on penalties in the round of 16 following a 3-3 aggregate stalemate.
Elsewhere, Atletico Mineiro were left empty handed last time out as they fell to a 3-0 thrashing against Bahia in their Serie A clash at the Fonte Nova Arena.
This followed a goalless draw against Sao Paulo in the Copa do Brasil on September 13, which saw Gabriel Milito’s men complete a 1-0 aggregate victory and reach the semi-finals.
Like Wednesday’s hosts, Atletico Mineiro were made to work their socks off in the Copa Libertadores round of 16 as they narrowly saw off San Lorenzo 2-1 on aggregate back in August.
Fluminense vs Atletico Mineiro Head-To-Head and Key Numbers
- With 19 wins from the last 46 meetings between the sides, Atletico Mineiro holds a superior record in the history of this fixture.
- Fluminense have picked up 12 wins in that time, while the spoils have been shared on 15 occasions.
- Atletico Mineiro have failed to win seven of their last nine away games across all competitions, losing three and claiming four draws since the start of July.
- Fluminense are unbeaten in their last seven home matches, claiming four wins and three draws since a 1-0 defeat against Vitoria on June 27.
Fluminense vs Atletico Mineiro Prediction
The last seven meetings between Fluminense and Atletico Mineiro have produced a combined 23 goals and we anticipate another action-packed contest at the Maracana. Fluminense home advantage should give them an extra edge here and we predict they will come away with a narrow victory.
Prediction: Fluminense 2-1 Atletico Mineiro
Fluminense vs Atletico Mineiro Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Fluminense to win
Tip 2: Over 4.5 cards - Yes (There have been at least five bookings in six of the last seven meetings between the two teams)
Tip 3: Over 10.5 corners - No (There have also been fewer than 11 corner kicks in four of Mineiro’s last five games)