Looking to book their spots in the last 16, Atletico Bucaramanga and Atletico Mineiro meet for the first leg of their Copa Sudamericana clash on Thursday night.
Los Leopardos have enjoyed a rich vein of form on the Colombian scene in recent times, whilst Galo are aiming to return to winning ways this week.
Match preview
Since the 1-0 defeat to Chilean giants Colo Colo on May 30, Atletico Bucaramanga have enjoyed a five-game unbeaten streak across all competitions, a run which includes a valuable 1-1 draw against Chico FC in the league on Sunday afternoon.
It appeared as if the visitors were on course for a shock result on the road when right-back Frank Salas fired them ahead in the first half, however Los Leopardos were quick to respond to that setback, with talisman Luciano Pons finding the net from the penalty spot.
Focusing on Bucaramanga's main man, the 35-year-old has netted a sensational 12 times across 24 appearances since making the loan switch from Universidad de Chile back in January, including three strikes in five Copa Libertadores clashes.
Los Leopardos come into the knockout stages of the Copa Sudamericana after dropping down from the group stage of the Libertadores, finishing third place in a section also containing Racing Club, Fortaleza and the aforementioned Colo Colo.
Winners of the Copa Libertadores in 2013, Atletico Mineiro have international pedigree over Thursday night's hosts, however that stands for little as the two clubs prepare for battle over two legs for a place in the last 16 of this year's Sudamericana.
Galo were in the midst of an eight-game unbeaten run across all competitions before a humbling defeat at the base of Bahia in the Brazilian Serie A on the weekend, when Hulk's 91st-minute equaliser was quickly sentenced to irrelevancy by a late winner for the hosts.
Honing in on the Sudamericana, Atletico Mineiro have been particularly impressive on the South American stage so far in 2025, losing just one of their six section matches, ending up in second place in Group H behind Cienciano of Peru.
Since securing a switch from Chinese side Shanghai Port in January 2021, former Porto great Hulk has been a revelation for Galo, netting a stunning 126 goals across 253 competitive matches, helping his side to the Serie A title during his first year at the club.
Atletico Bucaramanga form (all competitions):
Atletico Mineiro form (all competitions):
Team News
After seeing red during the defeat to Colo Colo in the Sudamericana, Aldair Gutierrez is suspended for the visit of the Brazilians on Thursday night.
As a result, Bucaramanga will need to find a new option at right-back, with Santiago Jimenez potentially set to fulfil that role.
Atletico Mineiro remain without the services of striker Cadu, who is expected back at the end of this month from a long-term injury.
Nursing a back problem, defensive midfielder Patrick Silva has not featured for Galo since the opening game of June versus Ceara.
Atletico Bucaramanga possible starting lineup:
Quintana; Jimenez, Romana, Henao, Hinestroza; Castro, Flores, Castaneda, Sambueza, Londono; Pons
Atletico Mineiro possible starting lineup:
Everson; Natanael, Lynaco, Alonso; Rubens; Franco, Menino, Rony, Scarpa, Gomes; Hulk
We say: Atletico Bucaramanga 1-1 Atletico Mineiro
Dropping down from the Libertadores, Bucaramanga will be confident of making it through to the last 16 over the next few weeks.
That being said, Atletico Mineiro are a Brazilian giant and should be good enough to earn a share of the honours in Colombia.
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