The road to 2026 Copa Sudamericana glory starts now for AtlĂ©tico Mineiro. Galo kick off their continental campaign this Wednesday night (April 8th) with a challenging away fixture against Venezuela's Academia Puerto Cabello. The Group B opener, set for 11 p.m. BrasĂlia time at the Estadio Misael Delgado in Valencia, marks a crucial first step in the tournament.
While Atlético Mineiro arrives with momentum from two consecutive victories in the Brasileirão, their opponents present a unique test. Academia Puerto Cabello earned their spot in the group stage by eliminating Monagas, though their domestic form has been inconsistent, currently sitting ninth in the Venezuelan league with a record of three wins, four draws, and three losses. They'll also be without key defender Sema Velåsquez, who suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon.
Galo's lineup will have a different look for this Sudamericana clash. Manager Eduardo Saragó has opted to rest several key figures, including Ruan, Renan Lodi, Alan Franco, Victor Hugo, and the iconic Hulk, who did not make the trip. This strategic rotation opens the door for other squad members to seize the moment. Players like Cissé, Scarpa, and Dudu now have a prime opportunity to make their mark and prove their worth on the continental stage, setting the tone for Atlético's Sudamericana journey.