Fluminense vs Atlético-MG Prediction: The title holder needs a good result in the first leg

The Copa Libertadores quarter-finals feature two matches between Brazilian clubs, and this is the first. Botafogo and São Paulo will meet later, and Flamengo is also in the running, making a total of five teams from Brazil in the last eight of the South American competition. Fluminense is the current trophy holder and will have to be at a high level if it wants to eliminate Atlético Mineiro.

The Tricolor das Laranjeiras suffered a hard-to-digest defeat on the road against Juventude. In Caxias do Sul, Fluminense opened the scoring through Jhon Arias in the 27th minute, and everything seemed to be heading for a positive result against a direct competitor. Juventude tried to react, but the Cariocas held on to their lead without too much trouble. However, in the 81st minute, Ronaldo equalized the game when few expected it. The Cariocas were affected by the draw and conceded another goal two minutes later through Marcelinho, to the delight of the home fans. Fluminense remains in 16th place, two points above the relegation zone, but this defeat could leave its mark on the players. Winning the Copa Libertadores again is one of the club's targets, but Fluminense risks relegation to the Série B, so the Brasileirão must be the number one priority. Next weekend, Mano Menezes' side hosts leader Botafogo a few days after the clash with Atléico Mineiro. 

With the Fluminense game in mind, Gabriel Milito decided to rest some players against Bahia and suffered the consequences. Guilherme Arana, Junior Alonso, Alan Franco, and Paulinho didn't play, and the Miners lost 3-0 in a performance much criticized by their fans. Atlético-MG is in 10th place in the Brasileirão but, on the other hand, is in the semi-finals of the Copa do Brasil and the quarter-finals of the Copa Libertadores, and it's understandable to see some rotation of players in the league. The Rooster will go to the Maracanã searching for a good result ahead of the second leg. The club has won the Copa Libertadores once before, in 2013, with Ronaldinho Gaúcho in the team, and is dreaming of reliving the highest moment in its history.

As has been the case in recent years, Brazilian clubs dominate the competition, with five teams in the quarter-finals. Fluminense is the reigning champion, but this knockout round will probably be very even. I'm betting on a Double Chance in favor of Fluminense, with a maximum of three goals scored in the match.