Atlético Mineiro's History in the Copa Sudamericana: The Missing Title
Atlético Mineiro will look to win its first Copa Sudamericana title when it faces Boca Juniors in the 2026 final. The Brazilian club hopes to end a 12-year drought without an international trophy and overcome the painful defeats suffered in its recent finals.
Atlético Mineiro has another opportunity to add to its international legacy when it faces Boca Juniors on November 21 at the Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez in Barranquilla, Colombia.
The Brazilian club has won four international trophies: the 1992 and 1997 Copa CONMEBOL titles, the 2013 Copa Libertadores, and the 2014 Recopa Sudamericana.
However, the Copa Sudamericana remains unfinished business for the Belo Horizonte side, which will compete in its second consecutive final of the tournament.
From Ronaldinho and the 2013 Libertadores Triumph to a Long International Trophy Drought
Atlético Mineiro's most successful period in continental football came in 2013, when the club captured its first Copa Libertadores title under head coach Cuca.
With Ronaldinho leading the way, alongside Victor, Jô, Diego Tardelli, and Bernard, the Brazilian team defeated Olimpia in a dramatic penalty shootout.
A year later, Galo lifted the Recopa Sudamericana after overcoming Lanús, securing its fourth international trophy.
Since then, the club has been unable to claim another continental title.
Final Defeats Against Botafogo and Lanús
Recent years have been marked by two particularly painful defeats.
In 2024, Atlético Mineiro suffered a 3-1 loss to Botafogo in the Copa Libertadores final played in Buenos Aires.
One year later, the Brazilian club came close to lifting another trophy when it faced Lanús in the 2025 Copa Sudamericana final.
After a goalless draw over 120 minutes, the Argentine side prevailed 5-4 in the penalty shootout, denying Galo its first title in the competition.
Atlético Mineiro Seeks Redemption Against Boca Juniors in 2026
Under head coach Eduardo Domínguez, Atlético Mineiro secured another appearance in the final after eliminating Red Bull Bragantino, Santos, and Montevideo City Torque.
The Brazilian side advanced to the championship match after defeating the Uruguayan club 3-2 on aggregate.
Now, Boca Juniors stands as its final obstacle.
For Galo, winning the Copa Sudamericana would mean securing its fifth international trophy and avoiding a third consecutive defeat in continental finals.
Key Takeaways
- Atlético Mineiro has won four international trophies but has never claimed the Copa Sudamericana.
- Ronaldinho played a leading role in the club's historic 2013 Copa Libertadores triumph.
- Galo lost continental finals in 2024 and 2025.
- Eduardo Domínguez will look to win his first Copa Sudamericana title.
- Atlético Mineiro will face Boca Juniors on November 21 in Barranquilla.
