Botafogo vs Atletico Mineiro Predictions

Thursday’s Copa Sudamericana round of 16, first leg action features an all Brazilian clash between Botafogo and Atletico Mineiro. Plenty of action is expected in what should be an even but exciting game.

After recording impressively comfortable wins over Superliga Argentina runners up Defensa y Justicia and Paraguayans Sol de América to reach this point of the Sudamericana, hosts Botafogo are targeting a deep run in the competition. On paper, the side certainly have quality that could see them achieve exactly that but there can be no doubting that this is a tough tie they are marginal underdogs in.

Botafogo come into the game under a degree of pressure as they’ve haven’t been playing particularly well in recent weeks. Indeed, a home defeat to Santos at the weekend made it 3 wins without a win for Fogo’ but typically quite strong on home soil, they’ll be confident in finding improvement on Thursday.

Meanwhile, whilst Atletico are disappointed to even be in the Copa Sudamericana, they are regarded by most as one of the favourites to win it. Galo unexpectedly crashed out of the Libertadores at the group phase and can ill afford to slip up again on the continental scene if they want to appease fans; something they only just managed in the last round, needing penalties to see off Chileans Union La Calera.

Nonetheless, Atletico have a talented squad on paper that is more than a match for anyone in the competition and that has them coming into this tie with confidence high. They certainly have no reason to be apprehensive of Botafogo, given they are currently 4th and 4 points above them in Serie A action and those taking to the pitch on Thursday’s wont do so in a defensive manner.

Ultimately, although continental ties are typically cagey and fairly dull affairs, you get the feeling this one could be a bit different. On home soil, Botaogo simply have to attack and try and establish an advantage to take with them into the second leg whereas Atletico are unlikely to be overly defensive and have players that can hurt the hosts on the counter.

As far as a result goes, this match looks tough to call but backing the Both Teams to Score line looks a great way to play as far as the betting is concerned. Botafogo have scored in 17 consecutive Copa Sudamericana home games and with both nets having been hit in 6 of Atletico’s last 8 matches, a 1-1 draw could well be on the cards, with both teams seeming likely to notch at least once.