Chapecoense vs Atlético Mineiro – News and Probable Lineups

Chapecoense is set to return to play on Thursday at Arena Condá, facing Atletico Mineiro as the Campeonato Brasileirao resumes after the FIFA international break. The match is scheduled to kick off at BST and features two teams currently facing challenges in the league.

Chapecoense is looking to break a troubling streak of six matches without a win, as they seek only their second triumph in Serie A, while Atletico MG approaches the fixture under pressure, having managed just two victories in their last five games. This encounter is crucial for both sides as they aim to secure vital points in Brazil’s premier division.

Match overview

Chapecoense kicked off their Campeonato Brasileirao season with an exciting 4-2 loss against Santos and has since played six more rounds without achieving stability, a situation reflected in their current league standing.

During those rounds, Chapecoense has secured one win, recorded four draws, and faced two defeats, accumulating a total of seven points, scoring nine goals while conceding eleven, resulting in a goal difference of minus two.

They are currently positioned 15th in the rankings, with a game in hand against Bahia, whose involvement in the Copa Libertadores pre-qualifying rounds has postponed their upcoming clash.

While many teams took a break during the international period, Chapecoense remained competitive in the Copa Sul-Sudeste, achieving a 2-1 home victory against Sao Bernardo before facing a 1-0 loss away to Volta Redonda. Head coach Gilmar Dal Pozzo utilized these fixtures to refine his squad and test different tactics.

In terms of squad development, the club has bolstered its lineup by acquiring forward Da Silva from Concordia, who is eligible to participate in the match, and there has also been a reshuffle in the boardroom with executive Joao Carlos Maringa stepping down and Rafael Lima taking over his responsibilities.

Atletico MG is preparing for the match in search of better performance after garnering eight points from eight rounds, recording two victories, two draws, and four defeats in a fluctuating season.

The team has netted eight goals while conceding eleven, resulting in a goal difference of minus three and placing them 13th in the league table.

Despite a lack of consistency, Atletico has won two of their last three matches in the Brasileirao but has suffered three defeats in their last five fixtures, meaning this away game presents an opportunity for improvement.

Recent encounters between the two teams have not favored Atletico, as they have not emerged victorious in any of their last three meetings, with two draws and one defeat, winning only two of the last ten overall matchups.

On the administrative side, the club is reviewing defender Ruan Tressoldi’s future following his loan from Sassuolo, as the player has gained confidence with increased playing time, leading to discussions about triggering his purchase option.

Team News

Gilmar Dal Pozzo has several selection dilemmas with Maurício Garcia sidelined due to a thigh injury, along with Robert Santos and Bruno Matias, both working their way back from knee ligament problems.

Right-back Everton is also set to miss the fixture after receiving a red card against Internacional, leaving Marcos Vinícius likely to slot into the starting XI.

Eduardo Dominguez has confirmed two absences for Atletico MG, with midfielder Maycon unavailable because of a calf injury, and Guinén forward Mamadi Sisse recovering from a foot issue, both anticipated to return in late April.

Holding midfielder Alexander has returned to training following a medial collateral ligament injury but remains uncertain for the match, while defender Vitor Hugo is also doubtful due to a calf problem, although Atletico is expected to field their strongest lineup available.

Chapecoense probable starting XI:

Saints; Vinicius, Leonardo, Eduardo Clar; Camilo, Meritao; Rafael, Augusto, Italo; Bolasie

Atletico Mineiro probable starting XI:

Everson; Preciado, Ruan, Alonso, Lodi; Gomes, Franco, Hugo; Bernard, Neck, Hulk

Atletico MG arrives in Chapeco struggling on the road after losing all four away matches in the 2026 Brasileirao and failing to score more than once in any of those encounters, making them heavily dependent on their performance at Arena MRV and low on confidence while traveling.

On the other hand, Chapecoense has been more effective at home, remaining unbeaten in four consecutive Serie A matches at Arena Conda, and despite their away challenges, Verdao do Oeste considers their home advantage significant and seems well-positioned to end their winless streak against the league’s weakest away team.