Without inspiration, Athletico makes a bad debut in the Copa do Brasil against Atlético-GO

Facing an opponent from the Serie B relegation zone, Furacão had a bureaucratic first half, with a lack of aggression. In the second half, the team suffered from haste and nervous errors as time passed.

At half-time, coach Odair Hellmann removed Benavídez, Portilla (both yellow) and Dudu for midfielder Luiz Gustavo and strikers Bruninho, a 17-year-old sold to European football, and Felipe Chiqueti, who also stood out in the team of aspirants that competed in the State Championship.

The changes improved the team, but not to the point of changing the score. If only one shot from Viveros was scary in the first half, Furacão attempted three shots in just two minutes of the final stage. The red-black game became more hurried, with many mistakes. Goalkeeper Paulo Vitor made a great save from João Cruz’s shot. And the post saved what would have been a great goal from defender Terán, in the last play of the match.

Arthur Dias has an impeccable performance and Zapelli leaves amid boos and applause

Athletico’s only undisputed player in the game against Atlético-GO was defender Arthur Dias. With a perfect performance, the 18-year-old defender had at least three key interventions to maintain Rubro-Negro’s defensive solidity. With each performance, Arthur gains more confidence and the spotlight. With this, the board sees a jewel with the potential for a meteoric sale.

On the other hand, midfielder Bruno Zapelli was replaced amid boos and applause. He started for the first time after six games and even had a good performance in the first half, but as the first midfielder. However, the number 10 made a few mistakes in the final stage and allowed the Goiás team a dangerous counterattack.

Arbitration rips and harms the game at the Arena

Without Julimar, who is recovering from a sprained ankle, and Steven Mendoza, who suffered a blow to his right knee, Odair promoted a change in the system. Striker Kevin Viveros was more solitary in attack, while the midfield was filled with Bruno Zapelli, Juan Portilla, João Cruz and Dudu Kogitski, as well as Gilberto and Lucas Esquivel on the wings.

Without pressure on the attack from Furacão, the game remained in a state of stagnation for much of the first half. Athletico didn’t have a shot on goal until the 33rd minute of the first half. Zapelli distributed the ball to Esquivel, who played João Cruz on the left. Caju’s piá crossed well for Viveros, who dominated and saved goalkeeper Paulo Vitor.

To make matters worse, the performance of judge Paulo Cesar Zanovelli da Silva (MG) did not contribute and was detrimental to the short time the ball was playing. The referee insisted on constant and long-lasting stoppages, without criteria for fouls and with exaggerations in conversations with the athletes. Not surprisingly, it caused anger from coach Odair Hellmann and was heavily booed by the stands.

Upcoming games

The return duel between Atlético-GO and Athletico is scheduled for May 14th (Thursday), at 7pm, at the Antônio Accioly stadium, in Goiânia. For the Brazilian Championship, the teams return to the field this weekend.

Furacão hosts Vitória this Sunday (26), at 6:30 pm, at Arena da Baixada. In Series B, Dragão faces Avaí in the sixth round. The duel also takes place on Sunday (26), but at 8:30 pm, in Goiânia.