Atletico Mineiro go into this evening’s Recopa Sudamerica second leg match with Lanus knowing that an avoidance of defeat would see them win the competition for the first time in their history.
The Recopa, which was formed in 1988 as a test between the previous winners of the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamerica tournaments, is perhaps not seen as a premier trophy (in much the same way as the Super Cup in Europe), but regardless of this, Atletico will be desperate to become the seventh Brazilian winners of it.
Tonight’s match will be played at the Estadio Raimundo Sampaio, where the hosts will most probably be at full strength according to the local press.
Ronaldinho took a full part in training yesterday and will assume his position in the team in a bid to win his 14th major club honour and first in the Recopa.
Lanus, who have yet to begin their league campaign, have not won a competitive game since beating All Boys back at the end of April.