Cruzeiro vs Atletico Mineiro prediction, odds & betting tips

With a two-goal cushion in hand from the first leg, Cruzeiro welcome Atletico Mineiro to the Mineirao for the decisive second leg of their Copa do Brasil quarter-final.

Raposa’s 2-0 triumph at the Arena MRV means they control the tie, and given the history of tight encounters between these rivals, the return leg could well end in a draw.

Read our Cruzeiro vs Atletico Mineiro predictions and preview to find out, but remember to also check our other Copa do Brasil predictions.

Contents

1 Cruzeiro vs Atletico Mineiro prediction: Another stalemate likely
2 Recent Meetings – Cruzeiro with a narrow edge
3 Cruzeiro preview – Focus on Defence
4 Atletico Mineiro preview – New era, big task for Sampaoli
5 Player to watch: Kaio Jorge

Cruzeiro vs Atletico Mineiro prediction: Another stalemate likely

Key Statistics

Three of the last five Classicos Mineiros have finished goalless.
Both teams have scored in three of Cruzeiro’s last five home games.
Cruzeiro have scored first in each of their past three fixtures.
Five of Cruzeiro’s last seven home matches have produced over 2.5 goals.

Correct score prediction: Cruzeiro 0-0 Atletico Mineiro

This fixture has often been tight, with three of the last five ending goalless, and with Cruzeiro already holding a two-goal advantage, they are likely to be more conservative against an Atletico side struggling in attack, so another stalemate looks on the cards.

Odds and win probability – Cruzeiro favoured at home

Home Win: 1.91 (52.4%)
Draw: 2.90 (34.5%)
Away Win: 3.75 (26.7%)

Odds via Ladbrokes, subject to change

Bookmakers give Cruzeiro the edge at the Mineirao, valuing their win chances above 50%. Atletico’s hopes of turning the tie around are slimmer, reflected in their 26.7% implied probability.

Recent Meetings – Cruzeiro with a narrow edge

From the last 76 encounters, Cruzeiro lead with 29 wins to Atletico’s 28, alongside 19 draws. Their 2-0 away win in the first leg ended a six-match run where both teams failed to score.

Cruzeiro preview – Focus on Defence

Cruzeiro’s first-leg victory was built on efficiency, as goals from Fabricio Bruno and Kaio Jorge sealed the win despite limited possession.

They are now unbeaten in four, winning three straight, and will lean on their strong defensive record; five clean sheets in eight to close out this tie.

With Jorge and Bruno away on international duty, Leonardo Jardim could turn to Gabriel Barbosa up front and Jonathan Jesus at the back. Injuries also affect Fagner and João Marcelo, while Wanderson is a doubt.

Predicted XI: Cassio (GK), Furtado, J. Jesus, Villalba, Kaiki; Silva, Christian; Romero, Pereira, Eduardo; Barbosa.

Last Five Games (All Competitions):

31/08/2025 – Cruzeiro 1-0 Sao Paulo (Serie A)
28/08/2025 – Atlético Mineiro 0-2 Cruzeiro (Copa do Brasil)
23/08/2025 – Cruzeiro 2-1 Internacional (Serie A)
19/08/2025 – Mirassol 1-1 Cruzeiro (Serie A)
10/08/2025 – Cruzeiro 1-2 Santos (Serie A)

Atletico Mineiro preview – New era, big task for Sampaoli

Atletico have turned to Jorge Sampaoli to halt a run of three straight defeats without scoring.

Sitting 14th in Serie A, Galo’s struggles in the final third are a major concern, though they did knock out Flamengo in the previous round.

With Junior Alonso, Alan Franco, and Ivan Roman doubtful after international duty, much will depend on Hulk, who has scored 16 times this year but is yet to rediscover form in recent weeks.

Predicted XI: Everson (GK), Natanael, Alonso, Hugo, Arana; Cuello, Franco, Alexsander, Scarpa, Hulk & Dudu.