The Godoy Cruz vs Atlético Mineiro prediction for August 22, 2025, brings high drama to the Copa Sudamericana Round of 16 second leg. The match kicks off at 01:00 GMT, with Godoy Cruz needing a strong home win to overturn their 2-1 first-leg defeat in Brazil. Bookmakers see this clash as finely balanced, with odds of 2.82 for Godoy Cruz, 2.93 for a draw, and 2.78 for Atlético Mineiro.
Godoy Cruz enter this decisive game with mixed form. In 2024, the Argentine club finished fifteenth in the Primera but later climbed to sixth place overall, a respectable achievement by their standards. The current campaign has been inconsistent, as they missed the Apertura playoffs by just one point and exited the national cup early. Their Copa Sudamericana run, however, has been better. They secured 12 points in the group stage, edging out Grêmio on tie-breakers. Despite that, recent form is poor, with three straight defeats and just 0.57 goals scored per match on average.
Atlético Mineiro also carry questions into this tie. The Brazilian side finished twelfth in Serie A last season and remain a mid-table team this year with an even balance of wins, draws, and losses. However, they did produce an upset in the domestic cup by eliminating Flamengo on penalties. In the Sudamericana, they advanced with nine group-stage points and edged past Atlético Bucaramanga in the playoffs, needing penalties after a 1-1 aggregate. Their attack, averaging 1.11 goals per match, has been inconsistent, though Hulk remains their biggest weapon.
Statistical trends point toward a cagey but competitive contest. Godoy Cruz concede an average of 1.19 goals per match, while Atlético Mineiro concede 1.17, showing both sides struggle with defensive stability. Goals are likely, as 50% of Mineiro’s matches and 33% of Godoy Cruz’s matches feature both teams scoring. Crucially, the first leg showed Atlético’s resilience, as they overturned a 1-0 deficit to win late thanks to Hulk’s decisive strike in the 89th minute.
Probable lineups reinforce the tactical battle. Godoy Cruz should start Petroli in goal, with Moran, Mendoza, and Arce at the back. Valencia, Poggi, Fernandez, and Altamira are expected in midfield, supporting Ausmendi in attack. Atlético Mineiro should line up with Everson in goal, Arana, Alonso, Vojnović, and Milouski in defense. Midfield will feature Cuello, Igor Gomes, Scarpa, Franco, and Gabriel Menino, with Roni as the lone striker.
Head-to-head history slightly favors Atlético Mineiro. The two clubs last met in 2017 in the Copa Libertadores, when Atlético dominated the return leg after drawing away. The first leg of this current tie again highlighted their ability to handle Argentine opponents under pressure.
Correct score prediction: Godoy Cruz 1-2 Atlético Mineiro. The Brazilians’ experience and attacking edge, combined with Godoy Cruz’s recent poor form, suggest an away win.
Expert tip: Total over 2.0 goals (odds 1.67). With both defenses leaky and both teams averaging close to two goals per match combined, this is the safest betting angle.
The second leg promises intensity, with Godoy Cruz desperate for a comeback and Atlético Mineiro looking to consolidate their advantage. Expect an open, attacking match with goals from both sides, but the visitors have the edge to advance.
