On January 28, Atlético Mineiro will open its 2026 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A campaign against Palmeiras at the Arena MRV. The match kicks off at 19:00 and fans can catch the live action on Sportv and Premiere, with pre-game and commentary provided by Galotv. Tickets for the match are available for online purchase, and the Esplanade opens at 13:00 to facilitate mobility for attendees.
The officiating team for the game includes referee Bruno Arleu de Araújo from Rio de Janeiro, accompanied by assistant referees Rodrigo Figueiredo Henrique Correa and Thiago Henrique Neto Correa Farinha. Jefferson Ferreira de Moraes serves as the fourth official, with Wagner Reway overseeing VAR duties.
In terms of recent performance, Atlético has had a mixed start to the season, recording one victory and four draws across five games, scoring five goals while conceding four. Notable players include Reinier, who leads the team with two goals. The match against Palmeiras marks a crucial moment as Atlético looks to assert itself in the national league.
The historical matchup between Atlético and Palmeiras shows a competitive edge with 31 wins for Atlético, 24 draws, and 45 losses overall. Specifically, in the Brasileirão, Atlético has achieved 24 victories against Palmeiras, while being on the losing side 33 times. The last encounter ended in a 3-0 defeat for Atlético, a result they will be eager to overturn this time.
From a squad perspective, coach Jorge Sampaoli has structured his training this week to prepare for the match following a win against their local rivals, Cruzeiro. Notably, defender Preciado is dealing with an ankle injury but has been undergoing physiotherapy.
Palmeiras arrives as a formidable opponent, currently in second place in the Campeonato Paulista and coming off a victory over São Paulo. Coach Abel Ferreira is expected to field a strong lineup, possibly featuring striker Vitor Roque, who has returned from injury.
Looking forward, Atlético aims to build momentum in the league, drawing not only from their rich history as a dominant force at home but also the experience brought by their coaching staff and players. The fans will certainly be rallying behind the team for an exciting start to the season at the Arena MRV.