Atlético-MG plays badly again and loses to Criciúma in the Brazilian Championship

After a four-match unbeaten streak in the  Brazilian Championship ,  Atlético  stumbled again in the country’s most important competition. This Saturday (3), the team led by Gabriel Milito played poorly and lost 2-1 to  Criciúma , at Heriberto Hülse. The home team’s goals, in the 21st round game, were scored by Meritão and Wilker; Cadu scored for the team from Minas Gerais.

Galo turns the key to the  Copa do Brasil  and returns to the field next Wednesday (7). In the second leg of the round of 16, they face CRB, from Alagoas, at Arena MRV. In the first leg, the teams drew 2-2. To advance, Alvinegro needs a simple victory; a new tie takes the decision to a penalty shootout.

Team changes

To face Criciúma, Milito was forced to replace Hulk with Eduardo Vargas. With a serious calf injury, the number 7 is out of action for at least 30 days. In addition to this change, Milito also brought in Renzo Saravia to replace the suspended Lyanco and brought in Rodrigo Battaglia, who was rested against CRB, to replace Bruno Fuchs.

First time

The visiting team, Atlético, had more possession of the ball in the first half, but had few shots on goal. Vargas had the best chances, on at least two occasions.

Even though they were more cautious and reactive, the home team posed more danger when they ventured into attack. The team from Santa Catarina even had a goal disallowed. In the 34th minute, Bolasie crossed for Marcelo Hermes, ex-Cruzeiro, to score, but the Congolese player was in an offside position at the start of the play.

Scare at the beginning of the second

Just 3 minutes in, Criciúma gave Matheus Mendes another scare. With a beautiful shot from outside the area, Bolasie hit the post and got the fans on their feet.

Save Mendes

At five minutes, the Atlético goalkeeper made a great save after a free kick and sent the ball out for a corner. The ball, which crossed the area, was heading towards the net.

Vargas again

And the Chilean almost scored once again. After a cross from Bernard, he misplaced his header and saw the ball reach the goal line, but dangerously. It went over the Carvoeiro crossbar.

Criciuma’s goal

And after so much insistence, the home team managed to score. In the 12th minute, after a rebound in the area and a head-butt from Atlético’s defense, Meritão took advantage of the opportunity, opening the scoring.

Replacement and tribute

At 15 minutes, striker Éder left the pitch. Substituted, he was in tears, as this was his last match as a professional player. At 34 years old, he left his boots to take up a management position at the club.

Almost a draw!

At 17, Scarpa kicked hard from outside the area. The ball, low, hit Gustavo’s left post.

Tiger Goal

At 19, the home team scored their second goal. After a cross into the box, defender Wilker, who was free, extended the lead. He took the ball from Mendes and ran for the hug.

Almost decreased

Galo had two chances in the same play to reduce the deficit. At 27, Scarpa took a closed corner and the ball hit the post. On the return, Fuchs, with a header, hit it again.

Return to the team

Having not played since April, in the 1-1 draw with Tigre, in BH, midfielder Rubens was given an opportunity. Having recovered from a serious knee injury, he was brought on by Milito in the 32nd minute of the second half, replacing Renzo Saravia.

Uh!

At 35, Allano had a chance to make it a rout. However, the home team’s striker miscalculated, free with Matheus Mendes, and kicked the ball wide. The ball grazed the right post of the Atlético goalkeeper.

Goal of the Rooster

At 50, after a cross from Fuchs, Cadu reduced the deficit for Atlético, but without time for anything else.

Criciuma 2 x 1 Atlético

Criciuma

Gustavo; Claudinho (Ronald Lopes), Tobias Figueiredo, Wilker Angel and Trauco; Meritao, Newton, Marcelo Hermes and Felipe Mateus (Jonathan); Eder (Allano) and Bolasie. Coach: Claudio Tencati.

Athletic

Matheus Mendes, Rezon Saravia (Rubens), Rodrigo Battaglia and Junior Alonso (Bruno Fuchs); Otavio (Fausto Vera), Alan Franco, Gustavo Scarpa, Bernard (Zaracho) and Guilherme Arana; Paulinho and Vargas (Cadu). Coach: Gabriel Milito.

Goals:  Meritão, 12 minutes into the second half, and Wilker, 19 minutes into the second half, for Criciúma; Cadu, 50 minutes into the second half for Galo
Yellow cards:  Otávio, Alonso (CAM)

Reason:  21st round of the Brazilian Championship
Location:  Heriberto Hülse, in Criciúma
Time:  8 pm (Brasília time)
Date:  August 3, 2024 (Saturday)

Total audience:  15,642
Gross income:  R$ 626,820.00