Penalty hero Everson hails Copa do Brasil progress, proud of clean sheet

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·02 de março de 2026

Penalty hero Everson hails Copa do Brasil progress, proud of clean sheet

Hero of Atlético's qualification for the final of the Campeonato Mineiro, goalkeeper Everson was once again decisive in a penalty shootout. After a 0-0 draw with América at Independência, the number 22 saved two penalties and also converted the penalty that sealed the 4-2 score, securing Galo another spot in the state final.

After the match, Everson emphasized the importance of the 180 minutes of the semifinal and highlighted Atlético's superiority in the clash.

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We played two great matches. In the first, we slipped up at the end and conceded a goal. But, at the end of the day, we were better than our opponent, we pushed harder for the goal, and today we secured an important spot in the final, so that next Sunday we can play a great match against our biggest rival, with the support of our fans, to go after our seventh consecutive state championship and make even more history at the club.

Regarding this Sunday’s (01) match, the goalkeeper assessed the team’s performance as consistent, despite the goalless draw in regular time: “We tried to play, we had a great game. Unfortunately, it ended in a draw and went to penalties. There, I was once again blessed, achieving another great qualification that will be marked in my history here at Galo, helping the team reach another final, saving two penalties and finishing with another goal.”

Historic milestone and responsibility

With the spot secured, Atlético reaches an impressive streak of two consecutive decades playing in the Campeonato Mineiro final. Now, the black-and-white club has the chance to further extend its dominance: if they lift the trophy, they will achieve a seventh consecutive championship.

Everson spoke about the weight of this recent journey.

We carry the responsibility of being the current six-time champions. We have a responsibility that goes back 20 years, with 20 seasons reaching the Campeonato Mineiro final.

Solid defense and the influence of Eduardo Domínguez

The goalless draw marked only Atlético’s second match of the season — out of 14 — without conceding a goal. Asked whether the defensive improvement is related to the arrival of coach Eduardo Domínguez, Everson highlighted the team’s organization.

He didn’t talk about it, but he certainly helped us today to be a more cohesive team, a team that takes fewer risks. There were only two shots on target from their team (if I’m not mistaken), and both from outside the box. May we be a more consistent team, returning to being the Galo of recent years that conceded few goals, and may the coach help us with that.

Final will be at Mineirão

The final will be against the biggest rival. Atlético and Cruzeiro face each other next Sunday (08), at Mineirão, in a single match.

The stadium will have an equal division of fans, with 50% for each side. Whoever wins in regular time takes the title. In case of a draw, the trophy will once again be decided by penalties.

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