Atletico Mineiro Youth 1–2 Athletic Club MG U20
Campeonato Mineiro U20 – Match Report
12 July 2026

In a thrilling encounter at the CT do Galo, Athletic Club MG U20 came from behind to defeat hosts Atletico Mineiro Youth 2–1 in the Campeonato Mineiro U20 on Sunday. The result keeps Athletic’s push for the knockout stages alive, while the home side will rue a late defensive lapse that cost them a valuable point.

Match Overview

The opening half was a tense affair, with both teams struggling to impose their rhythm on a heavy pitch that had received rain in the hours before kick-off. Atletico Mineiro Youth enjoyed the majority of possession, but their young forwards were kept quiet by an organised Athletic backline. The deadlock was broken just before half-time when Galo’s number 10, a product of the club’s famed youth academy, fired home from outside the box after a corner was only partially cleared.

However, Athletic Club MG U20 emerged with renewed energy after the interval. Coach Marcelo Oliveira’s tactical switch—pushing an extra man into midfield—paid dividends as the visitors began to dominate the centre of the park. The equaliser came in the 63rd minute when striker Lucas Mendes latched onto a through ball and calmly slotted past the advancing goalkeeper. The momentum had shifted entirely.

Decisive Second Half

With twenty minutes remaining, Athletic Club MG U20 completed the turnaround. A swift counter-attack caught the Atletico Mineiro defence out of shape; winger João Pedro cut inside from the left and unleashed a low drive that nestled into the far corner. The home side pushed for a late equaliser, but Athletic’s goalkeeper made two crucial saves to preserve the lead.

Key Performers

• Lucas Mendes (Athletic Club MG U20) – Worked tirelessly up front, scored the equaliser and held the ball up well.
• João Pedro (Athletic Club MG U20) – His goal proved the difference; constant threat on the flanks throughout the second half.
• Galo’s No. 10 (Atletico Mineiro Youth) – Scored a fine opener but faded after the break as Athletic tightened their midfield.

Impact on the Standings

The victory lifts Athletic Club MG U20 into fourth place in the Campeonato Mineiro U20 table, just two points behind the top three. Atletico Mineiro Youth, meanwhile, slip to seventh and now face a must-win encounter against bottom‑side Uberlândia next week to stay in contention.

With the league heading into its decisive phase, both sides will take contrasting momentum into their next fixtures. Athletic Club MG U20 host Cruzeiro Youth in a derby‑style clash, while Atletico Mineiro Youth travel to Uberlândia in desperate need of three points.