Why Atletico Mineiro are a great price to win Copa do Brasil

The Copa do Brasil antepost betting market is out, and Atletico Mineiro have been dismissed too quickly for our expert Nathan Joyes’ liking. Read why below.

Flamengo, Palmeiras and Botafogo dominate the top of the market to win the Copa do Brasil title but last year’s finalists can go one step further this time round.

Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at time of publishing and subject to change.

Galo’s off-season signings catch the eye

Atletico Mineiro had a strange campaign last year. Gabriel Milito was appointed head coach after a promising spell with Argentinos Juniors, in the hope of guiding Galo to a title.

And although Mineiro reached the Copa Libertadores and Copa do Brasil finals respectively, they lost both of them. In the league, a scrappy 1-0 win against Atletico Paranaense kept them up on the final day of the season having finished 2nd in 2023.

Milito was therefore relieved of his duties and Cuca was appointed for his fourth spell with the club. A controversial figure due to his rape allegations back in 1987, his appointment is mixed upon fans.

However, off the pitch their signings look solid. Admittedly, they lost Paulinho to Palmeiras, but the 2023 golden boot winner struggled last campaign – and the option to join one of the biggest clubs in Brazil was clearly too good to turn down.

But the replacements brought in could be more than enough to cover his absence. Rony was signed from Palmeiras for around $8m, who not only has a point to prove, but has continuously shown he is more than good enough at this level.

Junior Santos, the man who scored Botafogo’s Libertadores winner in the final, has also signed. If he stays fit, Mineiro has a dangerous player on their books.

Athletico PR’s Cuello also signed for over $7m after their relegation, while Palmeiras’ Gabriel Menino has strengthened the midfield. Add in Gustavo Scarpa, Hulk and Deyverson, Galo has a really strong unit moving forward, who can get back on track after a disappointing end to last campaign.

Focus elsewhere for others?

The Copa do Brasil has a bigger prize pot than the league, which is why plenty of clubs prioritise it during their hectic schedule.

However, Flamengo haven’t challenged for the Brasileirao title in quite some time, and although the cup holders, Filipe Luis’ side may be stretched competing across those two tournaments as well as the Libertadores. There’s high expectations for Flamengo to deliver the Libertadores, and that might just be their focus this season.

Palmeiras have thrown money at their squad – but will it pay off? The addition of Vitor Roque could make them strong enough to win the league – and the Libertadores – but the treble looks very unlikely due to the demanding fixture list.

Botafogo are in for a rough season, while Corinthians and Internacional have the Copa Libertadores to contend with. Cruzeiro are also in the Copa Sudamericana – the same as Mineiro – and they will be keen for a trophy after heavy spending in the off-season.

But Galo were very close last season. They have come back stronger, re-building their front line as well as adding quality in the heart of their midfield. Priced as big as 17.0, they are very much worth an each-way swing to win the cup. 

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