Palmeiras v Atlético-MG, ex-factor looms in Brasileirão clash | OneFootball

Palmeiras and Atlético-MG face each other this Sunday (26), at 7:30 p.m. (Brasília time), at Nubank Parque, in the 20th round of the Brazilian Championship. The match will feature several players who have already played for both teams, fueling expectations around the traditional “former player rule.”

Palmeiras side

On the green-and-white side, Bruno Fuchs and Paulinho could reunite with their former club. The center back has a chance to start among the first eleven, while the forward is also competing for a spot in Abel Ferreira’s team, which is dealing with absences in attack.

Recovered from injury, Paulinho used the World Cup break to make even more progress in his recovery. As NOSSO PALESTRA has learned, the No. 10 can now play more than 45 minutes. In an interview with Palmeiras’ official TV channel, the forward confirmed the information.

Paulinho left Atlético-MG at the end of the 2024 season as one of the squad’s main players, but injured. Bruno Fuchs had also worn Atlético’s shirt before joining Verdão on loan and being signed permanently after the deal ended.

Atlético side

For Atlético-MG, the list of former Palmeiras players is longer. Center back Vitor Hugo, a Brazilian Championship and Copa do Brasil winner with Palmeiras, will once again face the club where he enjoyed one of the best spells of his career.

Another standout name is Gustavo Scarpa. The midfielder played a leading role in Verdão’s recent title wins, including the Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian Championship, and was also voted the best player in the 2022 Brasileirão before moving to European football. He now plays for the Minas Gerais side.

Another player directly linked to negotiations between the clubs is defensive midfielder Patrick. He was included in Paulinho’s transfer to Palmeiras, moving in the opposite direction to Atlético-MG. However, he is injured and will not be available for the match.

The main reunion, however, will be that of Dudu. One of the biggest idols in Palmeiras’ recent history, the forward won multiple titles and became a record-holder at the former Allianz Parque, now Nubank Parque. After a turbulent departure from the club, he initially joined Cruzeiro and later moved to Atlético-MG, where he will once again face Verdão.

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