Juventude and Atletico Mineiro Set for Tight Copa do Brasil Decider

The second leg of the Copa do Brasil round of 16 takes place early Wednesday morning, with Juventude at home to Atletico Mineiro. Although Atletico Mineiro have performed well in the competition over the past two editions, Juventude have been one of this season's surprise packages, so the visitors cannot afford to take them lightly. With the first leg ending in a dull draw, this match may also be difficult to settle within 90 minutes.

Juventude come into the game in strong form, posting 6 wins, 2 draws and 1 defeat in their last 9 matches in all competitions. That run includes the first-leg draw against Atletico Mineiro, which kept their qualification hopes alive for this return fixture. It is worth noting that Juventude eliminated Serie A side Sao Paulo in the fifth round of the Copa do Brasil. In the second leg of that tie, they made full use of home advantage, played on the front foot and beat Sao Paulo 3-1. Even though Juventude are a Serie B team, they have shown genuine dark-horse credentials in this year's tournament, and with prior experience of knocking out top-flight opposition, they should have no fear facing another Serie A side in Atletico Mineiro at home.

Although Atletico Mineiro were held by Juventude in the first leg, their overall recent form has been solid, with 3 wins and 2 draws from their last 5 matches in all competitions. At the same time, they have scored 5 goals across those 5 games, with Igor Gomes among 5 different players to find the net, underlining how well their attacking threat is spread across the side. Atletico Mineiro also have a strong recent record in the Copa do Brasil, having reached the final two editions ago and the quarter-finals last season. Even away to surprise package Juventude, they should still have the ability to battle through the full 90 minutes.