Atlético Mineiro face a decisive Copa Sudamericana match against Venezuela’s Academia Puerto Cabello on Wednesday, May 27, at 7 p.m. Brasília time at Arena MRV, with the game set for the final round of Group B. The referee will be Leandro Rey from Argentina, and ESPN and Disney+ will broadcast the match.
The stakes are high for both teams. All four clubs in the group still entered the last round with a chance to finish first, making the final matchday critical for the standings. Puerto Cabello lead the group with seven points, while Atlético Mineiro and Cienciano are tied on six points each, and Juventud sit close behind with six as well.
For Atlético Mineiro, a victory would guarantee first place in the group and direct qualification. Even if Cienciano also wins, Atlético would still remain ahead thanks to their head-to-head advantage. That means Galo control their own destiny and can secure the top spot with a positive result in front of their home fans.
Puerto Cabello, meanwhile, will at least secure a place in the knockout playoff round if they avoid defeat. A draw would be enough for the Venezuelan side to continue their continental campaign, though a loss could leave their position uncertain depending on the other result in the group.
Atlético Mineiro coach Eduardo Domínguez is expected to use his strongest available lineup for the match. He had been considering options in midfield and attack, but ultimately chose Victor Hugo and Minda, suggesting he wants balance and attacking power in a match that could determine the club’s path in the competition.
Puerto Cabello arrive in Belo Horizonte with confidence of their own. The Venezuelan club recently claimed the final available spot in the second phase of the Venezuelan league and have shown consistency in regional competition. They currently share seven points with La Guaira, the team leading Group A of the Quadrangular in Venezuela.
Coach Eduardo Saragó has no reported absences, giving Puerto Cabello a full squad to choose from. However, the team has not yet announced its starting lineup, leaving some uncertainty around their final approach against Atlético Mineiro.
The match represents a major moment in Group B, with qualification, first place, and playoff positioning all still on the line. Atlético Mineiro will look to use home advantage at Arena MRV to finish the group stage strongly, while Puerto Cabello aim to defend their lead and keep their Sudamericana journey alive.
