Stats lay bare Atlético-MG's defensive frailties in 2026

Stats lay bare Atlético-MG's defensive frailties in 2026 Atlético-MG is using the break for the World Cup to try to solve a chronic problem: the instability of its defense. Data from the 2026 Brazilian Championship shows a worse performance than last year, making it clear that coach Eduardo Domínguez will have work to do to rebalance the team. Because of this, ge took an X-ray look at Galo’s defensive situation in 2026. In the 18 matches played in the Brasileirão so far, Galo’s goal difference has been negative. The team has scored 22 goals, but conceded 23. The imbalance becomes clear when compared with the same 18-game stretch in 2025. Last season, Atlético-MG showed more strength on both ends of the field, having scored 24 goals and conceded only 21. In addition to the drop in performance, the team has struggled with inconsistency. In this year’s 18 matches, Galo left the field without conceding in only four (against Internacional, São Paulo, Chapecoense, and Vasco). Before the league was paused, Domínguez had already publicly demanded a better attitude from the squad, bothered by the goals conceded in the final minutes. Musical chairs in the defensive sector Atlético’s board acknowledges the gap in the squad and is already moving behind the scenes in the transfer market: Who left: Júnior Alonso left the club to join a team in the United States. Who stayed: Galo made official the permanent signing of Ruan Tressoldi, who had been on loan from Sassuolo (Italy) since last year and is now the sector’s only undisputed starter. The squad also includes Lyanco, Iván Román, and Vitão. Who arrived: Center back Léo Duarte was announced as the first signing for the defense. The gap: Since Léo Duarte is right-footed, Atlético-MG is still looking in the market for a top left-footed center back. Currently, the only left-footed option available is Vitor Hugo, who has not yet fully earned the trust of the Argentine coach. This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.