On 16 October 2025, Belo Horizonte comes alive for another edition of the Clássico Mineiro, as Atlético Mineiro host city rivals Cruzeiro in the Campeonato Brasileiro. Both clubs enter the derby with contrasting trajectories - Atlético appear to be rediscovering their rhythm after a slow start to the season, while Cruzeiro’s form has dipped, leaving them in need of a reset to stay competitive in the upper half of the table.
Prediction Overview: Over 2.5 Goals
The recommended pick is Over 2.5 goals. Derbies between these two sides are rarely subdued, and recent form trends suggest the potential for an open, attacking contest. Atlético have been more fluid offensively in recent weeks, finding consistency at home and scoring freely. Cruzeiro, meanwhile, tend to be more vulnerable away but still possess enough attacking threat to contribute to a high-tempo game. Given both teams’ needs for points and their attacking personnel, a match with multiple goals appears highly likely.Atlético Mineiro’s Rising Form
Atlético are showing clear signs of resurgence. They’ve won three and drawn one of their last five matches, with performances improving markedly in front of their fans. The attacking trio - led by Hulk - has begun to click again, producing both goals and sustained pressure. Manager Gabriel Milito has restored balance to the side, emphasizing intensity and vertical play. With the Copa Sudamericana in mind, Atlético will want to secure league points early to safeguard continental qualification. Their home form has been strong, and they’ll approach this derby confidently, looking to assert dominance from the outset.Cruzeiro’s Decline in Momentum
Cruzeiro arrive on the back of a worrying run - three consecutive matches without a win - which has dented their momentum after a promising start to the campaign. Their recent away trips have been difficult, yielding no points and exposing defensive gaps. While Cruzeiro remain dangerous in transition and can create chances through set pieces and counterattacks, their back line has struggled to handle sustained pressure. Coach Fernando Seabra will likely prioritize compactness, but against Atlético’s attacking rhythm, they could again find themselves forced into a reactive posture.Match Dynamics & Tactical Expectation
Derbies in Minas Gerais are known for passion, intensity, and unpredictability. Atlético will likely press high and look to overwhelm Cruzeiro early, using width and quick combinations in the final third. Cruzeiro will rely on fast transitions, hoping to catch the hosts off guard. Both teams possess individual quality capable of turning tight moments into goals, and given recent scoring patterns, an end-to-end flow is expected.With Atlético’s offensive resurgence and Cruzeiro’s defensive instability, the conditions favor a match with goals at both ends. The attacking firepower on display and the emotional edge of the derby reinforce Over 2.5 goals as the most credible prediction.
