Mineirão stalemate: silence amid the storm | OneFootball

Atletico-MG 0-0 Corinthians: Goalless Draw Amid Off-Field Turmoil

Tactical Balance and New Faces at Mineirão

Atletico-MG and Corinthians finished level at 0-0 in Belo Horizonte in the tenth round of the 2025 Brasileirão Série A, a result that mirrored the competitive balance on display and reflected both teams’ current trajectories.

Cuca set Atletico-MG up in a 4-2-3-1, blending experience and recent signings. Hulk, still leading the line at 39, was supported by Rony—brought in from Palmeiras in February and already integrated as a starter—plus Gustavo Scarpa and Bernard. The defensive unit featured both established and emerging players, with Natanael and Rubens joining Lyanco and Junior Alonso in front of Everson. The bench provided additional options, including Igor Gomes and Júnior Santos.

Corinthians, managed by Dorival Júnior, lined up in a 4-1-4-1 formation, mixing established figures like Carrillo, Cacá, and Raniele with younger talents such as Ryan Gustavo and João Pedro Tchoca. Hèctor Hernández started up front with Yuri Alberto—correspondingly the team’s top scorer for 2025—introduced in the second half. Notably, Hugo Souza, a recent arrival from Flamengo, continues as first choice in goal. Fabrizio Angileri, new from Getafe, featured at left-back.

Match Stats: Atletico-MG On the Front Foot

Both teams split possession evenly at 50%, but Atletico-MG recorded more attacking intent. The home side attempted 13 shots, two of which were on target, while Corinthians managed just six efforts and did not test Everson. Corner kicks were scarce—just one per side—reflecting a match with limited set-piece opportunities.

Defensively, the game was stop-start, with 24 fouls committed by Atletico-MG and 18 by Corinthians. Disciplinary action included two yellow cards for the hosts and four for the visitors. Passing accuracy stood at 84% for Atletico-MG and 81% for Corinthians. The expected goals metric (Atletico-MG 1.29, Corinthians 0.57) indicated that Cuca’s side created more dangerous moments, but Hugo Souza’s three saves preserved the clean sheet for the visitors.

Individual Performances

Rubens stood out for Atletico-MG, registering seven interceptions and contributing both defensively and going forward. Hulk produced three shots and two key passes and absorbed pressure with his ability to draw fouls. Patrick was prominent in midfield, recording multiple interventions and winning six duels.

For Corinthians, Carrillo delivered a performance marked by two key passes, three tackles, and three interceptions, influencing both defense and build-up play. Cacá anchored the back line, contributing blocks and accurate distribution. Between the posts, Hugo Souza’s three saves kept the team level during sustained Atletico-MG pressure.

Corinthians’ Off-Field Crisis

The draw occurred as Corinthians maneuver through a significant period of political upheaval. President Augusto Melo faces possible impeachment amidst allegations about financial mismanagement and controversial sponsorship dealings. The situation has provoked protests and divided opinion among board members and supporters, with some sections backing the president and others urging change. While the football department aims to shield the playing group, uncertainty persists throughout the club, and upcoming matches may be affected by the instability. Sponsors have begun to distance themselves from the controversy, adding further tension.

Squad Changes and Injury Updates

Atletico-MG have made substantial changes in 2025, bringing in several replacements from Palmeiras, including Rony, Caio Paulista, Gabriel Menino, and Patrick Silva. Their recruitment drive has seen them become one of the more active clubs in the window, as they target squad depth for the remainder of the season. Corinthians opted for targeted additions, such as left-back Fabrizio Angileri and goalkeeper Hugo Souza, while also managing the injury absence of Rodrigo Garro, who is nearing a return from a knee problem.

Atmosphere and On-Field Impact

The match atmosphere reflected the contrasting situations. Corinthians supporters displayed both support and dissent, echoing the turmoil off the pitch. Atletico-MG’s environment, on the other hand, has been steadier as Cuca works to settle his reshaped squad.

Both clubs remain in the middle of the league table after 10 rounds, with Atletico-MG in 10th and Corinthians one spot above in 9th. The Mineirão stalemate was one of several headline encounters in the round, with other classics including Palmeiras versus Flamengo and Fluminense against Vasco.