📋 Atlético set to defend Brazil’s honour in Sula playoffs

The round of 16 playoffs of the Copa Sudamericana did not start well for the Brazilian clubs.

After Vasco and Grêmio suffered defeats away from home and Bahia drew in Salvador, it’s now Atlético’s turn to take the field.

Later today, starting at 9:30 PM (Brasília time), Galo will face their “namesake” Bucaramanga at the Américo Montanini Stadium on Colombian soil. 

The return leg will be next Thursday (24th), at Arena MRV, and whoever advances will face Argentina’s Godoy Cruz. 

Atlético Bucaramanga 🇨🇴

The Colombian team secured their spot in the playoffs by finishing third in Group E of the Libertadores—behind Racing and Fortaleza.

This is their debut in South American tournaments. 

They finished only ninth in the local Apertura, but advanced as the leader of their group in the Copa de Colombia—they will face América de Cali or Tigres FC in the round of 16. 

Their Clausura debut was last week, with a 1-1 draw against Boyacá Chicó. 

Defender Aldair Gutiérrez is out after being sent off in the last round of the Libertadores. Former Galo player Cárdenas has left the club. 

The lineup has not yet been announced. 

Atlético 🐓

Galo was on a good run until their defeat to Bahia in the last round of the Brasileirão.

Cuca will be without Rubens, who was left out of the squad as he negotiates a transfer to Russian football.

Dudu will play in midfield, which ensures Rony will join Hulk up front.

This sector lost Cuello—due to a left thigh injury—and Júnior Santos because of the flu. 

Photo: Mateus Lotif/FEC

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.