Atlético Mineiro v Palmeiras: Brasileirão opener pits unbeaten hosts against recent winners | OneFootball

Atlético Mineiro host Palmeiras in the Brasileirão on Wednesday, 28 January 2026 in Belo Horizonte, launching Matchday 1 with an early form check between two sides on different recent trajectories.

Atlético Mineiro and Palmeiras resume a rivalry that recently tilted green. The visitors won 3-0 in Belo Horizonte in December 2025 and 3-2 in July 2025 in league play.

Galo arrive unbeaten in their past five matches, capped by a 2-1 win over Cruzeiro on 25 January. Verdão have taken four wins from their last five, including a 3-1 victory against São Paulo on 24 January.

Selection could matter. Atlético-MG list four injured defenders, Vitor Hugo, Lyanco, Ángelo Preciado and Iván Román, which may leave them light at the back. Palestra have Lucas Evangelista, Paulinho and Figueiredo sidelined.

Given those trends, Verdão may try to impose themselves again, with options such as Raphael Veiga, Vitor Roque and Ramón Sosa to call on. Galo could lean on senior firepower from Hulk alongside Mateo Casierra to punch back, especially if transitions open up.

Three points would put both on three to start the campaign. Galo then visit RB Bragantino, while Palestra are set to host Vitória, so an opening win here could set the tone for the early rounds.