Two clubs chasing Copa Libertadores glory will do battle today in a cup match between Atletico Mineiro and Atletico Nacional. The Round of 16 clash scheduled for 6:15 p.m. ET will be held at the Estadio Independencia in Belo Horizonte and can be live streamed here free.
Atletico Mineiro enter tonight's match in a state of panic. After falling to Atletico Nacional in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie, the club brass decided to sack manager Paulo Autuori just hours after the final whistle. The 1-0 loss was only the third of Autori's tenure—one that lasted 23 matches and saw the 2013 Copa Libertadores trophy land in Belo Horizonte.
Seasoned manager Levir Culpi was appointed to succeed him on an interim basis.
That, however, did not change the results.
In a league match against Gremio, Mineiro fell 2-1, prompting the manager to say (h/t to Super Sports), "A loss is never expected, but I saw a team that tried to react. The next game is different situation."
That next game is the return leg at the Estadio Independencia. Will Atletico Mineiro be able to overturn the deficit and continue to defend their crown? Tell us @SportsWN
Tactical Preview
Player to Watch: Atletico Mineiro striker Jo has been a fierce contributor for the club since 2012. Since joining, The 27-year-old has tallied 72 goals in the last four seasons combined.
Atletico Nacional's Projected Lineup (3-4-2-1): Armani; Murillo, Henríquez, Nájera; Valencia, Mejía, Bernal, Bocanegra; Cardenas, Diaz; Duque
Atletico Mineiro's Projected Lineup (4-2-3-1): Víctor; Emerson, Rever, Silva, Otamendi; Pierre, Donizete; Fernandinho, Ronaldinho, Tardelli; Jo
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