Kevin Castaño responds at Atlético-MG after quiet River Plate spell | OneFootball

Kevin Castaño found at Atlético-MG the opportunity he had been looking for to regain a leading role in South American soccer. Signed in August, the defensive midfielder quickly earned the trust of Eduardo Domínguez and began to play an important role for the black-and-white side.

The move came after a spell with fewer opportunities at River Plate in Argentina. In about a year and a half at the Argentine club, Kevin Castaño played 45 matches, but was unable to establish himself as an undisputed starter.

Even so, he kept his place in the Colombian national team and was called up for the 2026 World Cup. At Atlético-MG, he adapted quickly, standing out in the decisive stretch of the season, with the club involved in knockout rounds and the race for the top of the Brasileirão.

Colombia kept Kevin Castaño in the spotlight

Developed at Águilas Doradas, Kevin Castaño arrived at River with high expectations and even became the most expensive signing in the Argentine club’s history. However, his spell there did not provide the run of games that had been expected.

Even so, the midfielder remained on the Colombian national team’s radar. At the 2026 World Cup, he came on against Uzbekistan and Portugal, in matches that ended in a 3-1 win and a 0-0 draw. His international experience kept him in the spotlight despite his reduced role at River Plate.

Versatility weighs in Eduardo Domínguez’s decision

At Atlético-MG, Castaño also earned playing time because of his ability to perform different roles. The Colombian can play in front of the defense, help win the ball back, contribute to build-up play, and control the tempo when the team needs to lower the intensity.

That quality gives Eduardo Domínguez an option to change the midfield’s behavior without altering the entire structure. His versatility allows the coach to adjust the setup depending on the opponent and the needs of each match.

Kevin Castaño also found his voice on the pitch

One of the first signs of his personality came in the Copa do Brasil quarterfinals against Cruzeiro. In the second leg, Atlético-MG needed to respond, and Kevin Castaño, alongside Bernard, suggested a change in roles to the coach during halftime.

The most important response came in the Copa Sudamericana. Kevin Castaño started both quarterfinal matches against Santos. At Vila Belmiro, Atlético-MG lost 2-0 and needed to overturn the deficit in Belo Horizonte.

In the second match, the team from Minas Gerais managed to take the lead, but conceded goals and entered the final stretch needing to score again. With the score at 3-2, a result that still eliminated Atlético-MG, Kevin Castaño stepped up to play a direct part in the comeback.

The Colombian delivered a precise cross for Tomás Cuello to score the fourth goal and send the tie to penalties. Gabriel Delfim saved three of Santos’ four spot kicks and sealed Atlético-MG’s qualification.

Atlético-MG eyes an unprecedented title

The result sent Atlético-MG to the Copa Sudamericana semifinals for the second straight year. In 2025, the club reached the final, but lost the title to Lanús on penalties after a goalless draw in regular time.

Now, the opponent will be Montevideo City Torque. In just over a month, Kevin Castaño has gone from being a newcomer to playing in decisive matches. At Atlético-MG, the Colombian is looking to regain his place in South American soccer.

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