Atlético aim to end opening day curse v Palmeiras in Brasileirão | OneFootball

Atlético begins its journey in the 2026 Brazilian Championship this Wednesday (28), at 7:00 PM, against Palmeiras at Arena MRV, seeking more than just three points: Galo is also trying to leave behind a recent, uninspiring record in debuts in the country’s main competition.

The team led by Jorge Sampaoli comes into the match with renewed spirits after their victory in last Sunday’s derby, when they beat Cruzeiro 2-1 in the Campeonato Mineiro. Until then, Atlético had played four matches this season—all in the state championship—and had only managed draws. The triumph in the derby, besides easing the pressure, served as a confidence boost for the start of the Brasileirão.

Recent record raises concerns

Atlético’s recent history in Brazilian Championship debuts, however, does not excite the fans. In the last five editions, the Minas Gerais club has won only once, accumulating three losses and a draw.

In 2025, Galo started off on the wrong foot, losing to Grêmio 2-1 in Porto Alegre. The only goal for Atlético in that match was scored by Rony. In 2024, also away from home, Atlético drew 0-0 with Corinthians at the Neo Química Arena.

The year 2023 marked a home debut, but with a frustrating result. At Mineirão, Galo was defeated by Vasco 2-1, with Maurício Lemos scoring Atlético’s goal. In 2022 came the only victory in this recent stretch: against Internacional, also in Belo Horizonte, Atlético won 2-0, with two goals from Hulk in a great performance by the number 7.

In 2021, the season that ended with the Brazilian title, the debut was bitter. Even after taking the lead against Fortaleza with a goal from Hulk, Galo suffered a comeback in the second half, with two goals from Yago Pikachu, and lost 2-1 at Mineirão.

New beginning, new story?

Now, facing one of the main title contenders and playing at Arena MRV, Atlético sees the 2026 Brasileirão debut as a chance to change the recent narrative. Riding the momentum from the derby, Galo hopes to turn the fans’ support into fuel to start the competition differently.

For tonight’s match, Atlético is expected to line up with: Everson, Preciado (Alan Franco), Ruan Tressoldi, Junior Alonso, and Renan Lodi; Maycon, Alan Franco (Igor Gomes), Victor Hugo; Bernard, Dudu, and Hulk.

The big news may be on the bench, as the newly signed Cassierra has had his name published in the BID and could appear among the squad.

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