Atlético-MG beat Palmeiras 1-2 this Sunday, in the 20th round of the Brasileirão, at Nubank Parque. Facing the championship leader, Galo held on in the initial stage and saw, in the second half, their courage rewarded with an incredible chicken from Carlos Miguel. Victor Hugo scored the first due to a goalkeeper error and, after conceding the equalizer, Igor Gomes secured the victory.
Palmeiras dominated the first half at Nubank Parque, with 69% possession and six shots compared to Atlético-MG's one, but it was Galo who created the most dangerous move. A penalty awarded due to a touch by Ruan Tressoldi on the arm was disallowed by VAR.
After remaining closed for most of the initial stage, Atlético-MG saw the entry of Cissé improve the midfield and possession became more balanced. In a shot by Mateo Cassierra, Carlos Miguel tried to fit the ball and was unable to do so.. Attentive to the rebound, Victor Hugo scored.
Palmeiras, of course, launched an attack as soon as they conceded the goal and managed to draw. Felipe Anderson, who had recently entered, was lucky with a deflection from Tomás Pérez, on loan from FC Porto, and left the score equal (1-1). However, in a prompt response, Atlético-MG showed courage and returned to the lead through Igor Gomes. Anyone who thinks it was an attack versus defense game is mistaken. Galo won in expected goals by 2.00×1.79.
The unlikely victory made Atlético-MG jump in the rankings, from 13th to 8th. With 28 points added, Galo is just 3 points behind the G5, the team's main objective for the season. This was the team's fourth away win in the championship, the second in a row.
Galo reached their fourth victory at the Palmeiras club, opened in 2014. All other victories were for the Brasileirão: in 2014 (2-0), 2016 (0-1) and 2023 (0-2).
The Palmeiras had a very poor performance as hosts and were unable to take advantage of Flamengo's draw with São Paulo to gain an advantage in the standings. Alviverde had 44 points, 6 more than Rubro-Negro, but with one more game played. This Sunday's defeat was the team's first at home in this Series A.
The two clubs will have a different week ahead, as Palmeiras enters the field for the Brasileirão and Atlético-MG has a day off. Verdão plays again on Wednesday, against Vitória, in Salvador. Galo only returns on Saturday, against Juventude, in the Brazilian Cup.