📋 Cruzeiro and Atlético named for first Copa do Brasil decider

Cruzeiro and Atlético have been selected for the first leg of the Copa do Brasil quarter-finals. The match will kick off at 9pm Brasília time at Mineirão, with Flávio Rodrigues de Souza acting as the referee. SporTV and Premiere will be broadcasting the game.

This will mark the fourth edition of the Copa do Brasil featuring the Minas Gerais derby, having first met in the 2014 final where Galo emerged victorious. Atlético advanced to the semis in 2019 after knocking out their rivals, and achieved the same feat last year.

The second leg is scheduled for next Tuesday, September 1 at Arena MRV. The winning team will receive R$9 million in prize money and will advance to face either Santos or Palmeiras in the semis.

Cruzeiro is represented by Raposa, who managed to alleviate the disappointment of their Libertadores elimination by defeating Flamengo in the last round of the Brasileirão. Artur Jorge has returned Jonathan Jesus to the lineup after he served his suspension. Gerson and Wesley are returning to the starting lineup after resting for part of the league clash, with Villalba winning the starting spot at left-back. Fagner will be on the other side, while Pec and Sinisterra remain sidelined.

Atlético, known as Galo, is currently on a 10-game unbeaten streak and remains in contention on three fronts. Eduardo Domínguez rested his starters against Inter in the league, focusing on the first derby. Fred was confirmed to start for the first time, while Léo Duarte, Lyanco, Victor Hugo and Igor Gomes are currently sidelined.