Hulk and Rony Deliver in Dramatic Finale
Atlético-MG endured a tense and hard-fought battle but ultimately secured their spot in the second round of the 2025 Copa do Brasil with a dramatic 2-0 victory over Tocantinópolis on Tuesday night (18). The match, held at the modest Estádio João Ribeiro in Tocantins, saw both goals come in the dying minutes, turning what seemed like a frustrating night into a triumphant one for Galo.
After struggling for most of the match, Atlético-MG finally found a breakthrough in the 42nd minute of the second half. Hulk, who started on the bench, stepped up to convert a crucial penalty won by Rony—who was making his first-ever start for the club. Deep into stoppage time, Rony added a second, sealing the win with a goal in the 50th minute.
A Tactical Shift and Hulk’s Impact
Atlético-MG began the match with an attacking trio of Cuello, Rony, and Deyverson, while their star forward and captain, Hulk, was rested on the bench. But with the team struggling to break through Tocantinópolis' defense, Hulk was introduced at halftime, immediately changing the game's dynamic. His presence led to the opening goal and played a crucial role in Galo’s overall attacking threat in the second half.
Difficult Pitch Conditions Hamper Atlético-MG
One of the biggest challenges of the night was the pitch itself. The high and uneven grass made ball control difficult, disrupting the visitors' rhythm and slowing their usually fluid passing game. This played to the advantage of Tocantinópolis, who defended resolutely and made life difficult for the Copa do Brasil runners-up.
Despite dominating possession, Atlético-MG struggled to create clear-cut chances. Their best opportunity before the breakthrough came in the second half when Rony found himself one-on-one with goalkeeper Jefferson, only to see his effort denied.
What’s Next for Atlético-MG?
With the hard-fought victory secured, Galo now turns its attention to the second round, where they will face the winner of the upcoming clash between Independência-AC and Manaus-AM. That match is set to take place on Wednesday (19) at 9:00 PM (local time) at Arena da Floresta in Rio Branco, Acre.
Atlético-MG survived a tough test, but with their campaign now underway, they'll be hoping for a more convincing performance in the next round as they continue their quest for Copa do Brasil glory.
