Cienciano (home)
- Cienciano lead Group B in the Copa Sudamericana on four points after two games, ahead of Atletico Mineiro on three.
- Cienciano have won their last three home games.
- Cienciano have won their only home game in the Copa Sudamericana so far without conceding.
- Cienciano have been in terrific form across all competitions over the last month, winning three, drawing one and losing just one of their last five.
- Horacio Melgarejo has done a good job of getting this Cienciano Cusco side to focus on getting results since he took over as manager in December 2025.
- They play a pragmatic, compact 3-4-3 or 3-4-1-2 with a back three to soak up pressure, wing-backs to get forward and pacey, clever players in behind the striker.
- Cristian Souza has been a standout so far in the group, providing one assist in two Copa Sudamericana games and setting up many of Cienciano’s attacks.
Atletico Mineiro (away)
- Atletico Mineiro have lost their last three away.
- Atletico have been less impressive, winning two and losing three of their last five.
- Eduardo Dominguez has recently taken the reins, but he seems to have made an immediate impact on Atletico’s structure.
- They now play a more balanced 4-2-3-1 system, with a disciplined double pivot and a build-up game that is much more considered and structured.
- Atletico have lost their only away game in the group so far, conceding an average of two goals per game on their travels.
- Bernard has been their danger man in this competition so far, scoring one goal in two appearances and bringing creativity and composure to the side.
- Mateo Cassierra offers some real scoring prowess though, having scored two goals in their last five games.
- Tomas Cuello has also been a surprise package for Atletico, providing two assists in just one appearance in the group so far.
Head-to-Head
The 1-1 draw in the reverse group fixture in last year’s Sudamericana will mean this clash won’t be too open.
Key Players
- Bernard has been their danger man in this competition so far, scoring one goal in two appearances and bringing creativity and composure to the side.
- Mateo Cassierra offers some real scoring prowess though, having scored two goals in their last five games.
- Tomas Cuello has also been a surprise package for Atletico, providing two assists in just one appearance in the group so far.
- Carlos Garces’ form is a big issue, having scored four goals in his last five appearances and two in the group so far for Cienciano.
Betting Insights
- Meanwhile, Cienciano have won their only home game in the Copa Sudamericana to nil, so the home side look great value at 2.44 to win the match on Thursday.
- Over 2.5 goals looks good value at 2.09, and both teams to score is highlighted as a top pick at 1.8.
Prediction
- Both teams to score is the top betting pick (odds 1.8).
- Cienciano are expected to edge this matchup at home.
