In a disappointing display, Atlético-MG suffered a 2-0 defeat against Santos on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Vila Belmiro, marking their fourth consecutive match without a victory in the Campeonato Brasileiro. This loss has left the Galo struggling at the bottom of the league table, with only two points from four matches, their worst start in the league's history under the current points system.
From the outset, the game showcased a competitive edge, yet it was the Santos squad that capitalized on critical moments. "The beginning of the game was very even, and it was more contested than played. We had control for a while, but after a central pass error, we conceded a corner, leading to their first goal. That changed the game completely," reflected Atlético's coach Cuca.
Cuca's analysis of the match highlighted several shortcomings in his team's performance. "The Santos team competed better and marked more effectively. In just three minutes, we conceded a second goal. We had a similar opportunity in the second half but failed to convert. Overall, despite a better second half, it was a poor performance. The defeat was justifiable," he stated.
With the pressure mounting, Cuca emphasized the urgency of the upcoming match against Botafogo, scheduled for Sunday, April 20, 2025, at Mineirão. He described the encounter as a must-win to avoid slipping further into crisis. "We need to evaluate things carefully and focus better. We cannot continue conceding goals from set pieces. The only remedy is to train hard and win the next game. We must mobilize ourselves to win and avoid a crisis. If we don’t win soon, we risk entering a crisis, and that’s something we want to avoid," Cuca warned.
The statistics from the match against Santos were telling. Atlético-MG managed only a handful of chances and struggled to create significant threats on goal. Cuca noted, "We’ve been a team that finishes the most, but that hasn’t translated into goals. It’s not just one or two players; we need everyone to step up in crucial moments. That’s fundamental for our success."
As the Galo gears up for their next fixture, the atmosphere surrounding the team is tense but hopeful. Cuca remains optimistic, stating, "The next game is always the most important, regardless of the long season ahead. We didn’t start as we hoped, but perhaps we can turn things around starting Sunday." With only two points to show from their first four matches, Atlético-MG finds themselves in a precarious position, sitting second to last in the Série A standings.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Atlético-MG can rise to the occasion against Botafogo. The match kicks off at 16:00 (Brasília time), and the Galo will be desperate for a turnaround to restore faith in their campaign.
