Puerto Cabello vs. Atlético Mineiro – News and Probable Lineups

After facing defeat in the 2025 Copa Sudamericana final on penalties to Atletico Lanus, Atletico Mineiro is aiming to improve this year.

Their campaign kicks off on April 9, as they head to the Estadio Misael Delgado to take on Venezuela’s Academia Puerto Cabello.

Match overview

Puerto Cabello is set to participate in their third consecutive Copa Sudamericana, yet they have never advanced beyond the group stage.

Overall, they have played 17 matches in the Copa Sudamericana, securing three victories, three draws, and 11 losses while scoring 14 goals and conceding 25.

In the league this season, Puerto Cabello has struggled with consistency, currently sitting ninth with 13 points from 10 matches. They enter this fixture following two games without a win, having recorded just two victories from their last five league outings.

The club earned their place in this year’s Copa Sudamericana by overcoming Monagas in the qualifiers. After a goalless match, they triumphed 5-3 on penalties to secure a spot in a group that includes Cienciano and Juventude.

Puerto Cabello has a disappointing record against Brazilian teams, with just one win from four encounters, alongside three losses.

On the other hand, Atletico has had a varied 2026 season. The team started the year as finalists in the Campeonato Mineiro, losing to Cruzeiro, and had a challenging beginning to the Campeonato Brasileirao.

Atletico is beginning to show signs of improvement under the guidance of new head coach Eduardo Dominguez, having secured victories in their last two matches and winning three out of their last five.

Dominguez’s squad arrives as one of the favored teams to win the Copa Sudamericana and is determined to secure a title that has so far been elusive.

This year, Atletico has played 21 matches, claiming seven wins, nine draws, and five losses, while scoring 31 goals and conceding 22.

Against Venezuelan clubs, Atletico maintains an unbeaten streak over 14 encounters, with 11 wins and three draws.

Team News

Puerto Cabello does not have any new injury issues, and head coach Eduardo Sarago is anticipated to trust his regular starters.

Edwuin Pernia is expected to be the main goal threat, with Robinson Flores, Jhon Marchan, and Jean Castillo likely to provide attacking options.

Conversely, Atletico is facing a notable number of injuries after the international break.

Junior Alonso is out due to a thigh injury, while Alan Minda is dealing with a muscle problem, and Patrick is set to undergo surgery for a right knee issue.

Maycon has returned from a calf injury but was not included in the squad that faced Athletico Paranaense last Sunday as he continues his gradual recovery.

Academia Puerto Cabello probable starting XI:

Rosemary; Vargas, Ramos, Melendez, Bortagaray; Gonzalez, Lima; Flores, Marchan, Castillo; Pernia

Atletico Mineiro probable starting XI:

Everson; Preciado, Lyanco, Roman, Lodi; Franco, Alexsander, Hugo; Bernard, Hulk, Neck

Puerto Cabello comes into this match in poor form, whereas Atletico Mineiro is experiencing renewed confidence under Dominguez and is favored for a reason.