Sampaoli hails Atlético’s gritty win: “We defended with our hearts”

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·28 September 2025

Sampaoli hails Atlético’s gritty win: “We defended with our hearts”

Atlético returned to winning ways in the Brazilian Championship and, this Saturday (27), overcame Mirassol by 1 x 0, at Arena MRV, in a match valid for the 25th round of the competition. The only goal of the game was scored by Vitor Hugo, 9 minutes into the first half.

Despite the early lead, Galo had to overcome many adversities to secure the victory. At the 43rd minute of the first half, defender Junior Alonso was sent off. And, at the end of the second half, when Jorge Sampaoli had already made all five substitutions, striker Jr. Santos suffered an injury and left the team with two players less.

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In the press conference after the game, the Argentine coach praised the team's commitment and classified the result as one of the most important since his arrival. Sampaoli highlighted the good start of the team and valued the attitude of his players in the face of difficulties.

While we were 11 against 11, our team was superior, had many arrivals and created goal chances. After the expulsion, facing a team that plays very well and takes advantage of spaces, the team defended and fought a lot. I value this result very much, against a good Mirassol, with two players less. Proud of the effort and commitment of the players.

The Argentine also stressed that the first half was the best performance of Atlético under his command: "Since I arrived, it was the best first half of our team, showing speed and aggressiveness. We certainly need to keep improving, but I believe we took an important step".

Decision to take Bernard out and praises for Vitor Hugo

After the expulsion, the Argentine chose to take Bernard out to recompose the line of 3 defenders (putting Iván Román). When questioned, Sampaoli explained the choice: "With one man less I didn't want to lose speed and transition. Biel and Rony could complicate the opponent with their speed. Unfortunately, with the expulsion I had to take out a player who was being important. At that moment, I thought that was the right decision", he justified.

The author of the winning goal, defender Vitor Hugo received praise from the coach.

He is a player who has a great capacity to learn and to interpret what the coach asks. He has good behavior in the defensive line and was a pleasant surprise. Our defense today played very well, being assertive in every movement. I'm very happy!

Emotion at the final whistle

Sampaoli also explained the effusive celebration after the end of the game.

Today was an exciting game. The fans supported us all the time, and the opponent was pressing in the end. I can say that I enjoyed a lot for the value and effort of the whole group in a game that we defended with our hearts. The way we won moved me.

With the victory, Atlético breathes in the table and momentarily moves away from the relegation zone. The next commitment will also be at home, against Juventude, next Tuesday (30) for the 26th round of the Brasileirão.

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