Atletico Mineiro — Bolivar : Match Preview and Prediction for September 25,2025

Atletico Mineiro’s Dire Form

The club is currently in a deep crisis, enduring a seven-match winless streak, with five of those being defeats. “Galo” last tasted victory over a month ago, a narrow 1-0 win, highlighting their struggle for positive results.

Sampaoli’s Rocky Start

New manager Jorge Sampaoli’s arrival has yet to spark improvement. Under his leadership, the team has played four games without a single win, recording two draws and two losses. This marks the worst start to the Argentine’s coaching career.

Struggling Attack

The primary concern lies with their attack. Despite leading the Brazilian championship in shots on goal, Atletico has managed to score only 21 goals, indicating an abysmal conversion rate – the worst in the league. Even star player Hulk hasn’t scored a goal from open play in the league for nearly a year.

Crippling Squad Issues

The squad situation only exacerbates their problems. The defense will be without two key players, as Natanael and Alonso are suspended. Attacking midfielder Cuello is sidelined for the rest of the season after suffering a severe injury in the first leg. This adds to an already extensive injury list, which includes Saravia, Patrick, and Caio Maia.

Mounting Pressure and Fan Discontent

Pressure on the team is immense. Fans have staged protests at the club’s training ground, demanding answers from the leaders. The club has even resorted to offering free tickets due to critically low demand for matches, signaling a complete breakdown within and around the team.

Bolivar’s Resurgent Form

The Bolivian side presents a stark contrast in form. The team is on a roll, currently enjoying a 10-match unbeaten streak, with seven victories among them. Their recent 3-2 comeback win in the championship speaks volumes about their current momentum and morale.

Resilience in the First Leg

The first leg in La Paz showcased Bolivar’s unwavering character. Despite falling behind 0-2, they refused to crumble, demonstrating the resilience to fight back and secure a 2-2 draw. They’ve already proven their ability to score against this Atletico Mineiro squad.

Tactical Advantage and Key Player Return

Bolivar’s attack is expected to be bolstered, with Damian Battallini likely returning to the starting lineup to add much-needed sharpness upfront. While they do have a defensive loss in the form of the suspended Ignacio Garillo, this seems less critical given Mineiro’s widespread defensive collapse.

Impressive Statistical Edge

Here’s a crucial piece of statistics: Bolivar has avoided losing by more than one goal in 17 of their last 18 matches. Their away record is equally impressive, having maintained a +1.5 goal handicap in 16 of their past 20 road games.