📋 Atlético set to defend Brazil’s honour in Sula play-offs | OneFootball

The playoffs for the round of 16 of the Copa Sudamericana did not start well for Brazilian clubs.

After the defeats of Vasco and Grêmio away from home and Bahia's draw in Salvador, it's time for Atlético to take the field.

Later, from 9:30 PM (Brasília time), Galo will face their "namesake" Bucaramanga at the Américo Montanini Stadium in Colombian territory.

The return match will be next Thursday (24), at the Arena MRV, and the winner will face Argentine Godoy Cruz.

Atlético Bucaramanga 🇨🇴

The Colombian team secured a spot in the playoffs by finishing third in Group E of the Libertadores - behind Racing and Fortaleza.

This is their debut in South American tournaments.

They finished ninth in the local Apertura, but advanced as leaders in their group in the Copa Colombia - they will face América de Cali or Tigres FC in the round of 16.

Their debut in the Clausura was last week with a 1-1 draw against Boyacá Chicó.

Defender Aldair Gutiérrez is out due to being expelled in the last round of the Libertadores. Former Galo player, Cárdenas, left the club.

Atlético 🐓

Galo was on a good streak until the defeat to Bahia in the last round of the Brasileirão.

Cuca was without Rubens, who was not included in the squad as he negotiates his transfer to Russian football.

Dudu will play in midfield, which guaranteed Rony a spot alongside Hulk in the attack.

The sector lost Cuello - injured in the left thigh - and Júnior Santos due to a flu-like condition.

Photo: Mateus Lotif/FEC

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.