Cruzeiro and Atlético‑MG meet for the first leg of the Copa do Brasil quarterfinals on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, at 21h (Brasília time) in a sold‑out Mineirão. The two matches — first leg at Mineirão and the return at Arena MRV on 1 September — will decide who advances to the semifinals and earns a R$ 9 million CBF prize for semifinalists.
Match logistics and how to watch
The game kicks off at 21h (Brasília) at Estádio Mineirão in Belo Horizonte. Sportv and Premiere are the broadcasters carrying the first leg across Brazil, with the return leg scheduled for 1 September at 21h in Arena MRV, also in Belo Horizonte.
Tickets, access and stadium rules
Cruzeiro announced the Mineirão fixture was sold out and the stadium is expected to host about 61,000 supporters, predominantly Cruzeiro fans. Atlético‑MG sold its 2,500 visiting tickets quickly, according to reporting.
For the return match at Arena MRV, Atlético‑MG published detailed access rules: ticket sales and resales opened beginning 25 August and prices vary by sector, with some seats listed as low as R$ 29,90 and premium lounges up to R$ 600,00. Important operational points from the club:
- Entry to Arena MRV for people over 12 years will be exclusively by facial recognition; GaloID account creation is mandatory for stadium access.
- Facial biometrics are optional for children under 12, but a GaloID is still required.
- E‑ticket access will be accepted only through the Galo Super App; printed, photographed or screenshot tickets will not be accepted.
- Some categories (GNV Black, Premium, etc.) have specific deadlines for resgate (ticket collection) and differing guarantees about availability until 24 hours before kickoff.
Sporting context: what’s at stake
The winner on aggregate advances to the Copa do Brasil semifinals and secures the R$ 9 million payout that the CBF distributes to semifinalists. Beyond money, both clubs carry recent, volatile history into this classical Minas Gerais matchup.
Cruzeiro arrives still recovering from elimination in the Libertadores but riding a positive domestic streak under coach Artur Jorge: reporting cites 16 wins, seven draws and five losses since his April debut, with Cruzeiro fourth in the Campeonato Brasileiro and on a four‑match domestic winning run.
Atlético‑MG’s recent form is described as resilient: new coach Eduardo Domínguez replaced Jorge Sampaoli this year and the team has gone through a run of unbeaten results since the World Cup break — reports list a sequence of ten matches without defeat. Atlético reached the quarterfinals in Copa do Brasil by eliminating Ceará and Juventude in earlier rounds.
Rivalry and recent flashpoints
The rivalry has produced high drama in recent knockout ties. Last year Cruzeiro eliminated Atlético‑MG in Copa do Brasil quarterfinals with a 2–0 aggregate win; earlier in 2026 Cruzeiro beat Atlético‑MG 1–0 to lift the Campeonato Mineiro and the final escalated into a mass brawl that resulted in 23 players being sent off (12 Cruzeiro, 11 Atlético‑MG) after a confrontation between goalkeeper Everson and Christian, per reporting.
Media accounts also recall a widely publicised provocation in the previous cup tie when Kaio Jorge celebrated by wearing a shirt depicting a fox biting a chicken after scoring three of Cruzeiro’s goals across the two‑legged tie.
Lineups reported for the first leg
Estadão published the reported starting XIs for the Mineirão game. Cruzeiro: Otávio; Fagner, Fabrício Bruno, Jonathan Jesus and Gabriel Rojas (Villalba); Lucas Romero, Gerson and Matheus Pereira; Arroyo, Wesley and Kaio Jorge. Coach: Artur Jorge. Atlético‑MG: Everson; Natanael, Ruan, Vitor Hugo and Lodi; Alan Franco (Castaño), Maycon and Fred; Bernard, Cuello and Cassierra (Reinier). Coach: Eduardo Domínguez.
What to watch during and after the matches — practical checklist for viewers and travelling fans
- Broadcast timing: tune in at 21h (Brasília) — Sportv and Premiere have live coverage for Brazil.
- Supporter access: if travelling to Arena MRV for the return leg, register GaloID and facial biometrics well before matchday; the club advised completing facial enrollment early.
- Ticket handling: for Atlas MRV, use the official e‑ticket system via the club app; printed or photographed tickets are explicitly invalid.
- Security and atmosphere: expect a charged derby atmosphere given recent incidents; plan extra time for entry (Arena MRV gates open around 18h for a 21h kickoff) and follow host‑club guidance.
- Two‑leg strategy: first‑leg scorer advantage matters — with both clubs accustomed to knockout tactical battles, the tie is likely to remain tight until the return leg at Arena MRV.
Unresolved points and what reporting does not confirm
Sources agree on kickoff, venues, broadcasters, ticket status and financial prize. Local reports describe team form and recent disciplinary incidents; matchday narratives such as final scoreline, in‑game events and post‑match reactions are not available in the sourced material and remain to be reported.
“The Mineirão expects to receive 61 thousand torcedores, sendo a maioria cruzeirenses,” according to local reporting.