Atlético-MG clinches crucial first Brasileirão victory at home thanks to early goal and Everson’s heroics

Atlético Mineiro secured its inaugural victory in the 2025 Campeonato Brasileiro, triumphing over Internacional with a narrow 1-0 scoreline on a recent Thursday, at the Arena MRV. This significant win, part of the tournament’s fifth round, provides a much-needed boost for the Belo Horizonte club early in the season.

The decisive goal came from Cuello within the opening minute of the match, setting an immediate and electric tone for the home side. Despite this early advantage, the visiting team from Rio Grande do Sul largely dominated possession and created numerous scoring opportunities throughout the 90 minutes.

The contest’s standout performer was undeniably goalkeeper Everson. His series of vital saves proved instrumental in fending off Internacional’s relentless attacks, ensuring the Galo held onto its slender lead until the final whistle.

This result elevates Atlético-MG to the 11th position in the league table, accumulating five points. Conversely, Internacional finds itself in a precarious 18th spot, with just two points from their initial five fixtures, highlighting an urgent need for improvement.

Early strike sets the pace

The match began with a bang for Atlético-MG. Just sixty seconds into play, Cuello capitalized on a precise pass from Hulk, skillfully maneuvering past Bernabei and penetrating the penalty area before delivering a well-placed cross-shot that found the back of the net. This rapid opener ignited the home crowd and set the tone for an intense encounter.

The Mineiro squad nearly extended its lead moments later. In the 16th minute, Scarpa received a long ball from Cuello and attempted a cross intended for Cassierra, but Vitor Gabriel intervened effectively to clear the danger, preventing what could have been a more comfortable advantage for the hosts.

Internacional’s relentless pursuit for equalizer

Despite conceding early, Internacional showcased resilience and quickly settled into their rhythm, controlling the midfield and pressing forward. Their first significant threat emerged in the 21st minute when Bernabei unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box, narrowly missing the target.

Another promising chance for the visitors materialized five minutes later. Alan Patrick delivered a corner kick directly onto Alerrandro’s head, but the effort was deflected by Ruan and went out for another corner, emphasizing their growing offensive presence. The Gaúcho team maintained heavy pressure throughout the remainder of the first half, frequently occupying the attacking third and registering more attempts on goal than their opponents, though struggling with conversion.

As the first half drew to a close, Cassierra appeared to double Atlético-MG’s lead, but the goal was disallowed after VAR confirmed Hulk was offside in the build-up. The initial 45 minutes concluded with a sense of equilibrium, marked by swift transitions and numerous shots, with Internacional demonstrating superior control in the latter stages.

Everson’s heroic performance

The second half commenced with similar intensity, and it was Atlético-MG’s goalkeeper, Everson, who swiftly became the protagonist. In the ninth minute, he made a crucial intervention, brilliantly parrying away a fierce strike from Carbonero that seemed destined for the net. Immediately following this, Bernabei tested Everson again, only for the custodian to produce another resolute save, denying Internacional a much-deserved equalizer and underscoring his pivotal role in the match.

Everson’s stellar form continued into the later stages of the game. At the 23-minute mark, he delivered another remarkable save, stretching to palm away a header from Borré, who had received a precise cross from Bernabei charging down the left flank. His agility and positioning prevented what was arguably Internacional’s clearest scoring opportunity.

Tactical battle and second-half intensity

The game evolved into a tactical chess match, with Atlético-MG attempting to leverage counter-attacks while Internacional relentlessly pushed for an equalizer. Following one of Everson’s saves, the home side launched a swift counter-offensive, culminating in Hulk’s shot towards Rochet, who managed to avert the danger with a timely block, maintaining the one-goal deficit.

Another tense moment for the Atlético-MG faithful arrived in the 35th minute. Tabata unleashed a long-range effort that Everson successfully defended, but the rebound fell to Preciado, who unfortunately sent his follow-up shot wide of the post. Despite facing sustained pressure from the determined Gaúcho side, Atlético-MG skillfully navigated the closing minutes to secure their first victory of the Brasileirão campaign.

League standings and upcoming challenges

With this hard-fought win, Atlético-MG now shifts its focus to the upcoming fixtures. The three points gained are crucial for their momentum in the initial stages of the championship, moving them closer to the mid-table positions.

For Internacional, the defeat deepens their early-season woes. The team’s inability to convert numerous chances into goals is a pressing concern that needs immediate addressing if they are to climb out of the relegation zone.

Looking ahead to the sixth round of the Brasileirão, Atlético-MG will travel to face Vitória on Saturday. This away game at Barradão presents another challenge as they aim to build on their recent success.

Internacional, meanwhile, will host Bahia on Sunday at the Beira-Rio stadium. This home fixture offers a critical opportunity for the team to regroup and secure their first win, providing a chance to turn their fortunes around in the competitive league.

Match key moments

The pivotal moments of the match underscored both Atlético-MG’s efficiency and Internacional’s persistent efforts:

• Cuello’s lightning-fast goal in the first minute.
• Internacional’s sustained attacking pressure throughout both halves.
• Everson’s sequence of critical saves, particularly against Carbonero and Borré.
• A disallowed goal by Cassierra for offside.
• The final defensive stand by Atlético-MG against Internacional’s late surge.