Analysis: Late Goal Deals Devastating Blow to Atlético’s Season
Atlético’s season faced a significant setback following a recent match against Flamengo. After a tough defeat in the Copa Sul-Americana final against Lanús, expectations were high for a turnaround performance. However, the team fell short once again, ending with a 1-1 draw that would further complicate their season.
Match Overview: Atlético vs. Flamengo
On Tuesday, September 25, Atlético hosted Flamengo at the Arena MRV. The game was part of the 36th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro. Atlético took an early lead with a goal from Bernard in the first half. Yet, in a dramatic turn of events, Bruno Henrique equalized for Flamengo in the 47th minute of the second half.
Impact on Season Standing
This draw dealt a significant blow to Atlético’s ambitions for the upcoming Copa Libertadores. A victory would have propelled them to 9th place in the standings, just one point shy of São Paulo. Instead, they now find themselves in 12th place with 45 points, at risk of missing critical tournaments.
- Current Position: 12th in Campeonato Brasileiro
- Points: 45
- Upcoming Matches:
- Fortaleza (Away)
- Palmeiras (Home)
- Vasco (Home)
Coaching Challenges and Future Prospects
The season reflects missed opportunities in planning and execution. The arrival of coach Sampaoli in September brought a late push to the campaign, culminating in a Sul-Americana final appearance. However, decisions made earlier seem to jeopardize the team’s participation in next year’s Copa Libertadores. Should they miss out, it would mark the first time since the 2011-2012 season that Atlético would face back-to-back years without continental competition.
As the 2025 season approaches, the team must rally together in the final three matches. The upcoming game against Fortaleza on Sunday, September 30, could be pivotal in determining the season’s outcome.
