Atlético-MG Faces Santos in Crucial Match on Sunday

Belo Horizonte, Brazil – Atlético-MG will host Santos on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at 4 p.m. (Brasília time) in a critical matchup in the 23rd round of the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A. The game will be broadcast live across Brazil on the Premiere channel.

After a tough elimination in the Copa do Brasil, where they lost to local rivals Cruzeiro, Atlético-MG has struggled, suffering three consecutive defeats in the league. Currently sitting in 14th place with 24 points, the team aims to distance itself from the relegation zone.

Santos is facing its own challenges, having not won in their last three league matches. The team suffered a heavy 6-0 loss at home to Vasco and has not scored during this stretch. Santos is currently in 16th place, just above the relegation zone with 22 points.

With Junior Alonso suspended, Atlético-MG coach Jorge Sampaoli may adjust his lineup, likely opting for a three-man defensive formation centered around Fausto Vera. Players such as Vitor Hugo and Iván Roman are competing for Alonso’s spot on the field. Midfielder Alan Franco could return to the starting eleven, and the team may adopt a more offensive strategy.

The expected starting lineup for Atlético-MG includes Everson; Lyanco, Fausto Vera, and Vitor Hugo (or Iván Roman); Alan Franco, Alexsander, Gustavo Scarpa, and Guilherme Arana; Cuello, Rony (or Reinier), and Hulk.

On the opposing side, Santos coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda is preparing his squad for the match after two weeks of training. He will be missing Rollheiser due to a suspension but will have new additions in the lineup. Defender Adonis Frías and midfielder Victor Hugo are expected to start, while Lautaro Díaz could make an impact from the bench.

Santos’ probable lineup includes Gabriel Brazão; Mayke, Zé Ivaldo, Luan Peres, and Escobar; João Schmidt, Zé Rafael, and Victor Hugo; Neymar, Guilherme, and Lautaro Díaz.

Bruno Arleu Araújo has been appointed as the referee for this important match.