Sampaoli seeks unprecedented feat to qualify Atlético for the Copa do Brasil

Coach Jorge Sampaoli has a difficult—and unprecedented—mission upon his return to Atlético Madrid: overturning a two-goal deficit in a knockout match. Furthermore, it will be the Argentine coach's first time facing Cruzeiro as manager of the club.

Atlético and Cruzeiro face each other this Thursday (11), at 7:30 pm, at Mineirão, for the second leg of the Copa do Brasil quarterfinals. Galo lost the first leg 2-0. Therefore, to qualify, they need to win by the same score - and take the decision to penalties. Or have a victory by three goals difference.

Although Sampaoli had never experienced this situation in his coaching career, his first stint at Galo saw a highly efficient attack. This is a hope for an unprecedented feat. Under the Argentine's command in 2020, he scored 80 goals in 45 matches. However, even with this number of games in charge of Atlético, the coach did not face Cruzeiro in the biggest derby in Minas Gerais.

The coach had about a week to get to know the current squad and prepare, which included training in two shifts over three days. Furthermore, Sampaoli has a key player up front: Hulk. What's more, the number 7's main target is Cruzeiro. Against Raposa, the striker has already found the net nine times.

Thus, with the formula of a coach with an effective attack and a striker who likes to score goals against Cruzeiro, Atlético lives with the expectation of being able to reverse the score and qualify for the semifinals of the Copa do Brasil.

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