Edcarlos weighs in on the Atlético Mineiro vs Cruzeiro Copa do Brasil clash
Former defender Edcarlos, who played for both Atlético Mineiro and Cruzeiro, shared his expectations for the Copa do Brasil quarterfinal match between the two giants. The first leg kicks off at 19:30 on Wednesday, August 27, at Arena MRV in Belo Horizonte.
Edcarlos believes Atlético will approach the game cautiously, mindful of Cruzeiro’s current form. “In knockout matches, I don’t think the Galo will throw everything forward, even at home, given how well Cruzeiro is playing,” he said. “It will be a more strategic game.”
He also offered a prediction for the opening leg: a tight 1-0 win for Atlético in front of their home crowd, with the tie still very much open ahead of the return. “I’m convinced it will be a 1-0 for Atlético. Playing at home with the Mass alone can spark the atmosphere. It will be a slim score, but the tie remains open for the second leg,” Edcarlos added.
A career with both clubs and a Copa do Brasil title in 2014
Edcarlos’s career includes notable spells with both Atlético and Cruzeiro, with a stronger imprint at the Mineiro club. He appeared 65 times for Atlético Mineiro, scoring three goals, and played 27 matches for Cruzeiro, scoring three times in 2010 and 2011.
Atlético fans remember Edcarlos fondly for his decisive moments, including the fourth and final goal in a 4-1 victory over Corinthians at Mineirão in the second leg of the 2014 Copa do Brasil quarterfinal, a result that helped the Galo lift the trophy that year.
Reflecting on classic derbies and big finals, Edcarlos recalled the palpable tension that accompanies a duelo between the two teams. “There’s always huge tension in a classic like this, especially for someone who has had the chance to wear both shirts. The weight of the fans is immense, and I’ve felt that from both sides,” he said.
He also recalled the 2014 Copa do Brasil final dynamics, noting how Cruzeiro was strong in the Brazilian Championship at the time, which often added pressure on Atlético to maintain focus across both competitions.
Career path beyond the two Rio-style clubs
The 40-year-old from Bahia began his career at São Paulo, where he earned Brazilian championships in 2006 and 2007 and the Club World Cup in 2005. Across Brazil, he also wore the colors of Fluminense, Grêmio, Sport, Goiás, Vitória and Juventude, among others, adding experience to a resume that includes titles and big-stage appearances.
Summary and outlook
Edcarlos’s insights highlight a classic knockout scenario where tactical discipline and focus could outweigh raw attacking impetus. With Atlético hosting the first leg and Cruzeiro in strong form, the balance suggests a tight, strategic battle that could hinge on a moment of individual quality or a concise tactical plan.
A hopeful takeaway for fans: this clash between two storied clubs tends to bring out the best in both sides, and a carefully managed first leg often sets the tone for a dramatic second leg. The stage is set for a compelling quarterfinal that could define the momentum of the Copa do Brasil campaign for both teams.