Atlético to Face Familiar Faces in Upcoming Match,Revisiting Past Successes and a Brief Mancini Tenure
BELO HORIZONTE – Atlético Mineiro prepares for a reunion with figures central to the club’s recent triumphs as they face opponents boasting a former coach and two ex-players this Sunday. The match offers a chance to reflect on Atlético’s decorated history, including a Copa Libertadores title in 2023 and a Brazilian Super Cup victory in 2022, while also acknowledging past challenges.
The upcoming contest isn’t simply a game; it’s a convergence of narratives. For atlético fans, it’s an chance to celebrate players like Eduardo Sasha, instrumental in securing the 2021 Brazilian Championship and Copa do Brasil, and goalkeeper Cleiton, a product of the club’s youth system. simultaneously, the return of Vagner Mancini, who briefly managed Galo in 2019, serves as a reminder of a transitional period and a chance to assess how both parties have evolved. The outcome of this match could subtly influence confidence heading into crucial stages of the season.
Vagner Mancini’s 13-match stint at Atlético at the close of 2019 yielded four wins, five draws, and four defeats, leaving the team in 13th place with 48 points.His contract was not renewed. Mancini has faced Atlético six times, resulting in six wins, 10 draws, and 18 defeats.
Atlético will also encounter goalkeeper Cleiton, who progressed through the club’s academy and featured in 43 matches between 2017 and 2019 before being sold to Bragantino in early 2020 for approximately R$23 million.
Striker Eduardo Sasha arrived at Atlético in 2020, at the request of then-manager Jorge Sampaoli, and played a key role in the club’s success. He contributed to the 2021 Brazilian Championship, Copa do Brasil, and three consecutive Minas Gerais Championship titles (2020, 2021, and 2022), as well as the 2022 Brazilian super Cup. Across 138 appearances, Sasha scored 26 goals, with his most prolific season being 2022, where he recorded 12 goals and two assists in 47 games.
