Atlético Mineiro leads the all‑time head‑to‑head against Santos with 21 wins, 12 draws and 15 defeats as of September 2024. The most recent encounter, on 21 April 2024, ended 2‑1 to Atlético in a Campeonato Brasileiro Série A match. Both clubs remain among Brazil’s most successful teams, making each fixture a high‑stakes clash.
Since their first meeting in 1972, the two sides have faced each other 48 times in official competitions. The breakdown is:
| Result | Matches |
|---|---|
| Atlético Mineiro wins | 21 |
| Santos wins | 15 |
| Draws | 12 |
Atlético’s advantage is largely built on a stronger home record at Mineirão, where they have won 14 of 24 games.
Several stars have left a mark. Hulk, who joined Atlético in 2020, is the joint‑top scorer with six goals against Santos. Santos’ legend Neymar scored three times in the early 2010s, including a decisive brace in the 2011 Copa do Brasil quarter‑final.
| Player | Club | Goals vs Opponent |
|---|---|---|
| Hulk | Atlético Mineiro | 6 |
| Neymar | Santos | 3 |
| Keno | Atlético Mineiro | 4 |
| Gabriel Barbosa (Gabigol) | Santos | 3 |
| Luan | Atlético Mineiro | 3 |
In the 2024 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, Atlético Mineiro sits 3rd with 46 points after 22 matches, while Santos occupies 7th with 38 points. Atlético’s goal difference is +18, compared with Santos’ +9.
Atlético typically lines up in a 4‑2‑3‑1, using Hulk as a central forward and relying on wing‑backs for width. Santos often adopts a 4‑3‑3, pressing high and feeding quick through balls to Gabriel Barbosa. In the last three clashes, Atlético’s possession average was 58 %, while Santos recorded 62 % in the two matches they controlled midfield.
Bookmakers currently list Atlético Mineiro as a 1.85 favorite, Santos at 2.10, and a draw at 3.40. Statistical models, which weigh head‑to‑head history (55 % win probability for Atlético) and current form, also favor Atlético by a narrow margin. Expected score: Atlético 2‑1 Santos.
Both clubs have produced iconic episodes that are still discussed by fans. Five highlights stand out:
The 1992 Copa do Brasil second leg at Mineirão attracted 71,300 spectators, the largest crowd recorded for an Atlético‑Santos meeting. The match was broadcast live on TV Globo and generated a nationwide TV rating of 18.2 points.
When the rivalry is scheduled at Mineirão, average attendance over the last decade is 58,000, representing 84 % of the stadium’s capacity. At Vila Belmiro, Santos’ home ground, the average is 18,500 (about 78 % of capacity) due to its smaller size. Neutral venues, such as the Maracanã, have hosted three cup ties, drawing between 45,000 and 55,000 fans.
As of 15 September 2024, Atlético Mineiro is missing center‑back Réver (knee strain) and midfielder Gustavo Gómez (suspension for two matches). Santos’ forward Rodrygo is out with a hamstring issue, and defender Lucas Veríssimo serves a one‑match ban for accumulated yellow cards. Both teams have depth, but the absences may force tactical adjustments.
Domestic viewers in Brazil can watch the game live on TV Globo’s “Fantástico” slot and stream it via Globoplay. International fans have access through ESPN+ in North America, DAZN in Europe, and the YouTube channel “Football Brazil TV” which provides a free delayed broadcast with English subtitles. Radio coverage is provided by Rádio Globo and SporTV’s podcast “Futebol em Foco”.
Using Opta’s expected‑goals (xG) model, Atlético Mineiro has averaged 1.73 xG per match against Santos, while Santos has recorded 1.45 xG. Over the last ten encounters, the combined xG total is 31.8, which translates to an average of 3.18 goals per game – higher than the league average of 2.68.
| Team | Average xG vs Opponent | Actual Goals per Game |
|---|---|---|
| Atlético Mineiro | 1.73 | 1.80 |
| Santos | 1.45 | 1.30 |
The slight over‑performance by Atlético (actual > xG) suggests they are more clinical in this fixture, whereas Santos tends to under‑shoot relative to the chances they create.
Television rights for matches featuring both teams generate roughly R$ 12 million per broadcast, a 15 % increase over average league fixtures. Merchandise sales spike by about 22 % in the week following a high‑profile clash, with Atlético’s jersey sales rising from R$ 3.4 million to R$ 4.1 million after the April 2024 win. Sponsorship agreements also reference the rivalry; both clubs list “high‑visibility derby” clauses that trigger bonus payments when viewership exceeds 8 million households.
Overall, the rivalry balances historic prestige with modern competitiveness. Fans can expect a tightly contested game, especially when both sides field their star attackers.
The next derby is set for 12 November 2024 in the 2024 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, kicking off at 16:00 GMT‑3 at Mineirão in Belo Horizonte.
Hulk holds the record with six goals for Atlético Mineiro against Santos, making him the all‑time leading scorer in the rivalry as of September 2024.
Atlético typically lines up in a 4‑2‑3‑1 with Hulk as striker, while Santos usually starts with a 4‑3‑3, featuring Gabriel Barbosa on the left wing and a midfield trio of Diego, Alison and Gabriel.
In Brazil the match airs on TV Globo’s “Fantástico” slot and streams on Globoplay. Internationally it is available on ESPN+ (North America), DAZN (Europe) and the YouTube channel “Football Brazil TV” with English subtitles.
Current bookmaker odds list Atlético Mineiro as a 1.85 favorite, Santos at 2.10, and a draw at 3.40, reflecting a slight edge for the home side.
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